How to Hit Irons Higher
The ability to hit your irons higher is a valuable skill that can revolutionize your golf game.
Higher iron shots generate more spin, resulting in improved stopping power on greens.
Hitting the ball higher also helps you clear obstacles and creates more opportunities to attack pins.
In our comprehensive guide on hitting your irons higher, we’ll break down the fundamental techniques, equipment choices, and mental strategies needed to achieve the high ball flight that all golfers covet with their irons.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Iron Shots
Iron shots require an understanding of sound fundamentals to achieve increased ball height.
The key factors affecting shot height include launch angle, spin rate, and angle of attack.
The club’s loft primarily determines the launch angle at impact, while a boosted spin rate helps the ball stay airborne longer and provides stopping power when landing on the greens.
A steeper angle of attack often creates more spin, which is crucial for higher shots.
When the clubhead approaches the ball from a slightly descending path, it compresses the ball against the ground, generating both ball speed and backspin.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Higher Iron Shots
Equipment plays a significant role in your ability to hit the golf ball higher.
Modern game-improvement irons often feature perimeter weighting, flexible shafts, and lower centers of gravity that naturally help launch the ball higher.
Also, consider clubs with more loft if you consistently struggle with low flight. Many equipment manufacturers offer options with stronger or weaker lofts within the same model line to help you increase ball height.
Golf ball selection can provide a huge advantage when it comes to launch. Balls with softer covers and higher spin rates, such as the Titleist Pro V1x and TaylorMade’s TP5x, can help maximize height and stopping power.
Mastering the Swing Fundamentals for Higher Iron Shots
Achieving consistent height with your irons requires mastering specific swing dynamics.
Start with proper posture – a slight spine tilt away from the target at address positions your body to deliver the clubhead on an optimal path.
This tilt creates room for a shallow angle of attack, crucial for adding loft at impact.
Your swing plane has a significant impact on ball flight. A more upright swing plane tends to produce a steeper angle of attack, often resulting in lower shots with more spin.
For higher shots, focus on maintaining a slightly flatter swing plane that promotes a shallower angle of attack.
The transition from backswing to downswing is critical. Rushing this movement often forces the club to approach the ball too steeply, costing you precious ball speed.
Instead, start your downswing by shifting your weight to your lead foot, anchoring with the left heel, while maintaining upper body tilt, allowing the clubhead to approach from a shallower angle.
Techniques for Hitting Irons Higher
Ball position is perhaps the simplest adjustment for hitting irons higher.
Moving the ball slightly forward in your stance, about one ball width from your normal position, naturally increases the clubface’s loft at impact.
This subtle change can immediately add height to your shots without requiring significant adjustments to your swing.
Create a slight spine tilt away from the target at address (right shoulder lower than left for right-handed golfers).
This positioning helps you maintain the proper angle of attack and prevents hitting too far down on the ball, which can reduce dynamic loft and produce lower trajectories.
Practice the “hold the finish” drill, where you maintain your follow-through position with your weight forward for three seconds after impact.
This encourages proper weight transfer to your lead side and promotes a full extension through the ball, both essential elements for higher shots.
Tips for Hitting Long Irons Higher
Long irons present the greatest challenge for achieving height due to their naturally lower loft.
Consider positioning the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to mid-irons to encourage a sweeping contact rather than a descending blow.
This subtle adjustment helps you utilize the club’s built-in loft more effectively.
Maintain a wider stance with long irons to create a stable base. This stability allows for better balance throughout the swing and promotes more consistent contact with the sweet spot.
Focus on a smooth tempo rather than excessive speed. Many golfers decelerate with long irons due to fear of mishits, reducing both distance and height.
A smooth acceleration through impact produces better contact and naturally higher shots.
Mental Strategies for Higher Iron Shots
Develop a consistent pre-shot routine that includes visualizing the high ball flight you want to achieve. See the ball clearing obstacles and landing softly on the green.
This mental rehearsal primes your body to execute the movements necessary for higher shots.
Practice with purpose by setting specific height goals for each shot rather than focusing solely on direction. Use reference points like trees or poles to gauge your trajectory and make adjustments accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hitting Iron Shots
The most common error when attempting to hit irons higher is trying to “help” the ball into the air by scooping the hands through impact. This move actually reduces loft and often results in thin contact.
Instead, focus on maintaining the forward shaft lean at impact while allowing the club’s loft to do the work.
Many golfers mistakenly shift their weight to their back foot in an attempt to hit up on the ball. This positioning makes it nearly impossible to strike the ball cleanly, often resulting in fat shots or inconsistent contact.
Gripping the club too tightly creates tension throughout the body, restricting your natural swing motion and reducing clubhead speed for most golfers.
Maintain a pressure scale of about 5 to 6 out of 10 to allow for maximum clubhead speed and proper release through impact.
Neglecting the fundamentals of setup and alignment can sabotage your efforts to hit high iron shots.
Even small deviations in stance, ball position, or alignment can dramatically affect your ability to deliver the club properly at impact.
Always check these basics before making swing changes when struggling with shot height.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get more height with my irons?
To get more height with your irons, focus on your angle of attack. Ensure you’re hitting the ball slightly down, which promotes a higher launch. This, combined with the loft of the iron, will naturally increase the height of your shots.
Why am I not hitting my irons high?
If you’re not hitting your irons high enough, it could be due to a few factors, including your swing and ball position. You might be scooping the ball or not taking a proper divot. Practice ensuring a downward strike.
Where should the ball be to hit irons higher?
For mid to high irons, position the ball slightly forward of center in your stance. This allows for a descending blow while still catching the ball on the upswing, optimizing launch angle and height. Experiment a bit to find your sweet spot.
Why do I keep hitting my irons low?
Hitting irons low often results from an incorrect swing path or ball position. You may be hitting the ball too far back in your stance or not transferring your weight properly. This can cause a lower trajectory than desired.