The Two-Ball Anti-Shank Drill (Hit the Inside Ball)
Curated PGA Drill by Golf Distillery
Impact
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
Shanking is caused by the clubhead moving further away from the body than established at address (heel strike). This constraint drill forces the hands and club to stay closer to the body during the downswing (0:56), training the golfer to hit the inside quadrant of the ball and avoid the club's heel.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Set up two golf balls very close together on the ground (0:16).
- 2
Step 2
Aim for the inside ball (closest to you) (0:21). Your focus should be on hitting only this ball (0:53).
- 3
Step 3
Swing with the intention of hitting the inside ball, even feeling like you're trying to hit the toe of the club against that ball (1:03).
- 4
Step 4
Feedback: If you hit the inside ball correctly, the outside ball should remain in its original position (1:13).
- 5
Step 5
Alternative Practice (On-Course): Set up to a single ball and swing to miss it (1:26). Alternatively, set up to a leaf or blade of grass and swing to miss it (1:29).
What Good Feels Like
Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.
