Few golf shots are as frustrating—or as confidence-shattering—as the dreaded shank. One minute you’re lining up a straightforward iron shot, and the next, the ball rockets off at a sharp, unexpected angle, often barely missing your playing partner or heading straight into the trees. It’s every golfer’s nightmare—and unfortunately, it can sneak up on players of all levels.
So, what exactly is a shank? A shank happens when the ball makes contact with the hosel—the rounded part of the clubhead where the shaft connects—instead of the center of the clubface.
If you’re asking yourself, “How can I stop shanking the golf ball?”—you’re not alone. Shanking is more common than you think, and the good news is: it’s fixable.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What causes a shank and how it differ from similar mis-hits
- Why golfers often struggle more with irons
- The most effective step-by-step methods and drills to correct it
- Mental and equipment-related factors you might be overlooking
Whether you’re trying to avoid shanking a golf ball at the driving range or learning how to stop shanking irons during your weekend rounds, this comprehensive breakdown will help you regain control of your swing—and your confidence.
What Is a Shank in Golf?
A shank happens when the golf ball strikes the hosel—the rounded part of the clubhead where the shaft connects—instead of the center of the clubface. This contact sends the ball shooting sharply to the right (for right-handed golfers), often low and off-target.
Many confuse a shank with a slice, but they’re different:
- A slice is a curved shot caused by an open clubface at impact.
- A shank is caused by contact with the hosel, not the face.
If you find yourself struggling and questioning how to avoid hitting the hosel, it’s important to grasp this distinction. A shank primarily relates to a contact issue rather than a problem with spin or swing path.
How to stop shanking golf Shots? Top 10 Proven Tips
If you’ve ever screamed internally, “How can I stop shanking the golf ball?”—you’re not alone. The shank is among the most exasperating shots in golf, often leading to a loss of confidence. However, there is a positive aspect: it can be corrected. Here are 10 effective tips designed to help you eradicate shanks, improve your contact, and regain your confident swing.
1. Improve Your Posture and Maintain Proper Spacing
Many shanks occur when you’re standing too close to the ball, causing your arms to become cramped. This forces them outward during the swing, sending the hosel straight into the ball.
Fix it: Bend slightly from the hips, let your arms hang naturally below your shoulders, and ensure there’s a consistent gap between your hands and thighs. This relaxed spacing helps the ball find the clubface—not the hosel.
2. Always Set the Ball on the Clubface
An unexpected number of golfers inadvertently position the ball close to the hosel during their setup. This incorrect placement raises the likelihood of failure.
Fix it: Deliberately place the ball in the center of the clubface. Then step back, align yourself correctly, and double-check your line.
3. Use a Neutral Clubface
If your clubface is overly open or closed at impact, your shots will veer off wildly—and often result in a shank.
Adjust it: Emphasize maintaining a square clubface at the moment of impact. Utilizing a neutral grip along with a steady hand position aids in preventing extreme face angles.
4. Fix Your Over-the-Top Swing
Attempting to “preserve” a slice frequently results in an exaggerated movement. This can force the hosel to swipe the ball on an outside-in path.
Fix it: Start by squaring your clubface. Once that’s corrected, the urge to swing over-the-top usually fades away, improving your consistency.
5. Avoid an Extreme In-to-Out Swing Path
If you’re swinging excessively from the inside, especially with a closed clubface, you risk driving the hosel straight into the ball.
Fix it: Again, fix the clubface first with a grip check. Then retrain your swing path to be more neutral.
6. Train Your Swing Path With Alignment Aids
Once your grip and face are correct, use alignment sticks to reinforce the proper path.
Fix it: Place a stick just outside the ball, pointing slightly right of target. This visual guide assists you in swinging on-plane while steering clear of the heel.
7. Let Your Lead Elbow Relax and Fold
A locked or tense lead elbow can disrupt your mechanics and cause problems with an open face.
Fix it: Let your lead elbow fold naturally through the swing. Try a split-hand drill (grip with hands 4–6 inches apart) to promote a freer, more connected motion.
8. Use a Hybrid or Fairway Wood (Temporarily)
Here’s a clever trick: hybrids and woods have minimal hosel exposure, meaning they’re nearly shank-proof.
Fix it: While working on your irons, consider using these clubs to build confidence and maintain fairway accuracy.
9. Stop Opening the Face on Short Shots
Opening your wedge too much around the greens raises your chances of hitting off the hosel.
Fix it: Instead of over-adjusting your face, consider using a higher-lofted wedge (like a 60°) while keeping your clubface more square.
10. Keep Your Underarms Connected
When your arms flare away from your body, your swing loses its natural arc, often leading to heel contact.
Fix it: Keep your underarms gently connected to your torso throughout the swing. This creates a more circular motion and reduces the odds of hitting the hosel.
Don’t miss knowing: How to hit the golf ball straight?
Why Do You Shank the Golf Ball? (Common Causes)
Shanks don’t come out of nowhere. They’re usually caused by one or more of the following swing flaws:
- Poor posture or alignment – Standing too upright or misaligned puts your swing off track.
- Positioning yourself too near the ball – This restricts your arms, bringing the hosel into action.
- Weight shift issues – Failing to transfer weight properly leads to off-balance strikes.
- Flipping wrists or early extension – Throwing the clubhead at the ball too early increases hosel contact.
- Tension and fear – Nervous, tight swings reduce fluid motion and body control.
- Clubface misuse – Mismanaging the angle or rotation of the clubface leads to poor contact.
Each of these can lead to that dreaded hosel rocket. Recognizing the root cause is step one in fixing it.
Types of Shanks: Are You Shanking with Irons Only?
If you’re mostly shanking with your irons, you’re not alone. This is incredibly common—and here’s why:
- Irons have more exposed hosels than woods or hybrids.
- Their shorter shaft lengths require more precision in ball striking.
- Irons are usually played with a steeper swing path, which increases the chance of hosel contact.
So, if you’re researching how to stop shanking irons, know that it’s a widespread issue—especially among mid- and high-handicappers. With the right technique and drills, you can overcome it.
Step-by-Step Solutions: How Can I Stop Shanking the Golf Ball?
Here’s a proven step-by-step breakdown to help you eliminate shanks for good:
1st step: Check Your Setup
- Keep a comfortable distance from the ball.
- Bend slightly at the hips.
- Let your arms hang naturally.
2nd step: Proper Grip and Hand Position
- Avoid overly strong or weak grips.
- Keep the hands relaxed but firm.
3rd step: Focus on Your Swing Path
- Aim for a neutral or slightly inside-to-out path.
- Avoid chopping down or swinging too steeply.
4rth step: Balance and Weight Distribution
- Stay balanced throughout the swing.
- Don’t lean toward the toes at impact.
5th step: Avoid “Crowding” the Ball
- Keep some room between your hands and body at setup.
- This prevents the arms from extending toward the ball unnaturally.
6th step: Use Visual Aids
- Place a second ball or a tee outside the toe of your Golf club.
- Practice hitting without touching the outside object to train center-face contact.
These small changes can make a huge difference in your contact and confidence.
Best Drills to Fix a Shank?
If you’re serious about learning how to fix shanking the golf ball, try these time-tested drills:
- Toe Hit Drill – Set up closer to the ball and aim to hit it off the toe. This helps re-center your contact point.
- Two-Ball Drill – Place a second ball just outside your target ball. Focus on missing the second one.
- Impact Tape Drill – Use tape or foot spray on your clubface to monitor contact.
- Gate Drill – Place two tees slightly wider than your clubface. Swing through without touching them.
- Alignment Rod Drill – Stick a rod outside the ball to guide your swing path.
Each of these builds awareness and helps correct the physical causes of your shank.
How to Mentally Overcome the Shank?
The mental side of a shank is just as important as the physical:
- Understand the “shank fear loop” – One bad shank creates tension, leading to more.
- Stay relaxed at setup – Loosen your grip, take a deep breath.
- Trust your fundamentals – Overthinking leads to tension and mechanical swings.
Practice with a clear mind and positive focus, and you’ll break the shank cycle.
Equipment Check: Is Your Gear Contributing?
Sometimes the problem isn’t your swing—it’s your clubs:
- Lie angle too upright or too flat? Get a fitting.
- Grips worn out or clubs too long/short? Replace or adjust.
- Using blade-style irons as a high handicapper? Switch to forgiving cavity-back irons.
Making small gear tweaks can remove a hidden source of shanks.
When to See a Golf Coach?
You don’t have to fix everything alone.
See a pro if:
- You’ve tried drills with no improvement.
- Your shanks are unpredictable or worsening.
- You want video feedback or a custom swing plan.
Benefits of coaching:
- Personalized analysis
- Real-time corrections
- Faster progress
A few lessons can restore both your swing and your confidence.
Last Word
Even pro golfers have battled the shanks—it’s part of the journey. With the right setup, mindset, drills, and guidance, you can stop shanking the golf ball and start hitting crisp, accurate shots again. Repetition and awareness are key.
Next time you ask, “How can I stop shanking the golf ball?”—come back to this guide, pick a drill, and take control of your swing. Your sweet spot is waiting.