How to stop Topping

Topping refers to striking the upper half of the ball on impact causing it shoot forward across or close to the ground. Like many other faults, the problem originates mainly from an improper set-up.

One way of topping the ball is to place it too far forward in the stance, for example, directly in front of the left foot. As the photograph illustrates the ball should be placed somewhere between the middle of the stance and the inside of the left foot. Essentially, the longer the club the more the ball is placed forward.

Topping can also occur by not maintaining posture during the swing. Some golfers straighten the knees or back during the backswing. As they return to the address position during the downswing, they are still too high resulting in a top. Another reason for topping the ball stems from leaning to the right during the downswing. This has the same effect as placed the ball forward in the stance. The golden rule is allow the coiling motion of the body to drive the swing. Power comes uncoiling the body and not from leveraging the body.

To avoid topping, pay attention to ball position and maintain posture during the swing.