PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Sports and Fitness
Individual Sports
Golf
Golf Swing Instructions
8 Tricks to Hit Pure and Consistent Shots Using Golf Irons Download Article Hit your golf ball straighter and farther with our expert-backed guide Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Rotate your full body for a powerful downswing. 2 Extend your hands out during your backswing. 3 Sweep through the ball to finish your shot. 4 Practice swinging drills to improve consistency. 5 Keep a firm grip on your club. 6 Maintain an athletic shoulder-width stance. 7 Line the side of your body up with your target. 8 Put the ball closer to your front foot for lower irons. + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Michael Metz and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: October 14, 2023 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Michael Metz and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Michael Metz is a Golf Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Simi Hills Golf Course. With more than 15 years of experience, Michael is adept at coaching all facets of Golf. Mike uses technology, such as Flightscope, V1 Swing Suite, Blast Motion, and BodiTrak pressure mapping, to provide advanced golf training with quick results. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 109,532 times.
Hitting an iron pure in golf means hitting the ball squarely with your club to make a long, straight shot. By maintaining the perfect stance and controlling your club, your iron shots will go the furthest toward your target. If your ball doesn’t go far or in the direction you want, there are easy adjustments to make to your swing. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro on the course, we’ll walk you through the best ways to position yourself, hold the club, and follow through on your swing so you hit irons more consistently.
Things You Should Know
Position the ball in the center of your stance for your mid-irons, slightly forward for your low-irons, and slightly back for high-irons and wedges.
Keep your arms extended during your swing so the club head travels in a smooth, gradual arc instead of at a steep angle.
Lead with your hips on your downswing, and try to make a sweeping motion through the ball to hit it squarely with the club head.
Steps
1
Rotate your full body for a powerful downswing.
Download Article
Turning your body as you hit the ball ensures you get the most power. Bring the club head back down along the same arcing path that you used on your backswing so your shot stays straight. As you’re swinging down, open your shoulders and hips by shifting most of your weight back to your front foot.[1]XResearch source When you hit the ball, keep your back shoulder lower than your front and turn your chest toward your target.[2]X Expert Source Michael MetzGolf InstructorExpert Interview
Advertisement 2
Extend your hands out during your backswing.
Download Article
Keeping your arms straight adds more width to your backswing. Width is the distance between your club and your chest, and more width helps you hit the ball squarely. When you’re ready to swing the club, keep your arms straight as you twist your upper body. Shift your weight towards your back leg as you take a full backswing, bringing the club above your head.[3]X Expert Source Michael MetzGolf InstructorExpert Interview Try to maintain the same distance from your chest to the club so you have a smooth arc on the backswing.[4]XResearch source
Practice a few half-backswings to loosen up before you actually hit the ball.[5]X Expert Source Michael MetzGolf InstructorExpert Interview
At the top of your backswing, it’s normal to slightly bend your dominant arm at the elbow and keep your non-dominant arm straight.
Keep a firm grip at the top of your swing instead of letting your wrists break. Loosening your grip will make your downswing narrower so you won’t get as much power from your swing.[6]X Expert Source Michael MetzGolf InstructorExpert Interview
3
Sweep through the ball to finish your shot.
Download Article
Following through with your swings helps you get more distance. Rather than stopping your downswing once you make contact, keep the club head moving forward through the ball toward your target. Try to hit the ball when your club is at the lowest point of your downswing. When you finish your swing, make sure your belt buckle or button of your pants faces the target. If your hips are out of position, then focus on leading the turn with your hips on your next swing.[7]XResearch source
Think of your club head like a plane landing on the runway. Rather than coming down at a sharp angle on your downswing, try to make a gentle, shallow arc through the ball.
It’s okay to leave a divot behind after you already hit the ball. If you hit the ground before making contact with your ball, then you’re bringing the club down too sharply.
Avoid trying to scoop the ball up with your club to get it higher in the air, or else you may lose distance from your shot.
Advertisement 4
Practice swinging drills to improve consistency.
Download Article
Running drills helps you detect and fix issues with your swing. Rather than waiting until you’re on the course, try doing practice swings at home or at the driving range. As you work through drills, focus on your club’s alignment, body posture, and the path of your swing to see where you can improve. Some easy drills include:[8]XResearch source
Alignment Stick drill: Lay an alignment stick pointing toward your target on one side of your ball. Lay another stick parallel to the first just in front of your feet. Try a few practice swings, and keep the club’s face traveling along the first alignment stick each time.
Towel drill: Fold a towel in half and wrap it around your chest so the ends tuck under your armpits. Try to keep the towel pinched tightly throughout your swing so it doesn’t fall down. This helps you maintain a consistent, straight swing.
Divot pattern drill: As you practice swinging at a driving range, look at the divot after each shot. If the divot is curved or pointed away from the center, adjust the path of your swing until the divots look straight.
5
Keep a firm grip on your club.
Download Article
A strong grip ensures your iron won’t turn or shift during your swing. Straighten out the head of your club so it’s aiming toward your target. Hold the club firmly with your non-dominant hand about 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the end of the club and your thumb on top of your grip. Then, position your dominant hand just ahead of the other on the lower part of the grip so your little finger and index finger are touching.[9]XResearch source
To tell if you’re gripping your club properly, look at the V-shape formed by the thumb and pointer finger on your dominant hand. Adjust your grip so the V points toward the shoulder on the same side of your body.[10]XResearch source
Avoid squeezing the club really tightly because it could make you pull your shots.
Advertisement 6
Maintain an athletic shoulder-width stance.
Download Article
Having your feet below your shoulders gives a strong, sturdy base. Set the iron’s head behind your golf ball and stand a step or two back from the ball. Position your feet directly below your shoulders so most of your weight is on your front foot to create a strong foundation for your swing. Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Bend forward at the hips until your arms can comfortably hang straight down.[11]XResearch source
Standing with your feet too close together or far apart may throw off your balance and prevent you from getting power during your swing.
Irons have shorter shafts than drivers, so try standing a little closer to the ball to ensure you make good contact during your swing.
7
Line the side of your body up with your target.
Download Article
Aligning your body with your target stops you from overswinging. When you’re getting into your stance, picture an imaginary line running from the side of your body to where you want the ball to go. Position your front shoulder so it’s pointing right where you want the ball to go. This keeps your hips from turning too far back on your backswing.[12]XResearch source
Lay your club down so it touches the toe of each shoe. Look where the end of the club is pointing to determine where you’re aiming.
Advertisement 8
Put the ball closer to your front foot for lower irons.
Download Article
Placing the ball forward ensures the club makes good contact. You’ll get the most control and consistency from iron shots if the club’s face is squared off when you hit the ball. If you’re using your 5- or 6-iron, position the ball directly centered between your feet. When you swing a 3- or 4-iron, adjust your feet so the ball is 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) to your front foot. When you shoot a wedge or a short iron, stand so the ball is 1 inch (2.5 cm) closer to your back foot instead.[13]XResearch source
Catching the ball on the downswing means hitting it before your club starts swinging up again. If you’re already on your upswing when you contact the ball, you may only hit the top and go a short distance.
If you’re wearing a golf shirt with a logo, position the ball in line with your shirt’s buttons for a 5- or 6-iron. For a 3- or 4-iron, position the ball between the shirt buttons and the logo.
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How toHit Irons ConsistentlyHow to Hit a Golf Ball Perfectly for BeginnersThe Best Ways to Add More Distance to Your Golf SwingHow toSwing a DriverHow toDrive a Golf BallHow toHit Your Irons HigherHow to Swing a Golf Club Correctly & Improve Your GameHow toDrive a Golf Ball StraightHow toHit Fairway WoodsHow toHit a Driver for BeginnersHow toPuttHow toAdd More Power to Your Golf SwingHow toBe a Good BatsmanHow toSwing a Baseball Bat Advertisement
Co-authored by: Michael Metz Golf Instructor This article was co-authored by Michael Metz and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Michael Metz is a Golf Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Simi Hills Golf Course. With more than 15 years of experience, Michael is adept at coaching all facets of Golf. Mike uses technology, such as Flightscope, V1 Swing Suite, Blast Motion, and BodiTrak pressure mapping, to provide advanced golf training with quick results. This article has been viewed 109,532 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 10Updated: October 14, 2023 Views: 109,532 Categories: Golf Swing Instructions
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 109,532 times.
Reader Success Stories
Kakungulu Herbert
Sep 15, 2019
"This is actually what I have been looking for to fully improve my game. The illustrations are just perfect. I won't be surprised if I greatly reduce my handicap score. Thanks, guys!"..." more
Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michael Metz Golf Instructor 4 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10Updated: October 14, 2023 Views: 109,532
Kakungulu Herbert
Sep 15, 2019
"This is actually what I have been looking for to fully improve my game. The illustrations are just perfect. I won't be surprised if I greatly reduce my handicap score. Thanks, guys!"..." more Share yours!
Quizzes & Games
Am I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toHit Irons ConsistentlyHow to Hit a Golf Ball Perfectly for BeginnersThe Best Ways to Add More Distance to Your Golf SwingHow toSwing a Driver
Featured Articles
What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness Test
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
What's My Communication Style QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizMultidimensional Anger TestTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizBaseball QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Sports and Fitness
Individual Sports
Golf
Golf Swing Instructions
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Hit your golf ball straighter and farther with our expert-backed guide Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Rotate your full body for a powerful downswing. 2 Extend your hands out during your backswing. 3 Sweep through the ball to finish your shot. 4 Practice swinging drills to improve consistency. 5 Keep a firm grip on your club. 6 Maintain an athletic shoulder-width stance. 7 Line the side of your body up with your target. 8 Put the ball closer to your front foot for lower irons. + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Michael Metz and Hunter Rising 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Michael Metz Golf Instructor This article was co-authored by Michael Metz and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Michael Metz is a Golf Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Simi Hills Golf Course. With more than 15 years of experience, Michael is adept at coaching all facets of Golf. Mike uses technology, such as Flightscope, V1 Swing Suite, Blast Motion, and BodiTrak pressure mapping, to provide advanced golf training with quick results. This article has been viewed 109,532 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 14, 2023 Views: 109,532 Categories: Golf Swing Instructions 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
552 
Turning your body as you hit the ball ensures you get the most power. Bring the club head back down along the same arcing path that you used on your backswing so your shot stays straight. As you’re swinging down, open your shoulders and hips by shifting most of your weight back to your front foot.[1] When you hit the ball, keep your back shoulder lower than your front and turn your chest toward your target.[2] Advertisement 
Keeping your arms straight adds more width to your backswing. Width is the distance between your club and your chest, and more width helps you hit the ball squarely. When you’re ready to swing the club, keep your arms straight as you twist your upper body. Shift your weight towards your back leg as you take a full backswing, bringing the club above your head.[3] Try to maintain the same distance from your chest to the club so you have a smooth arc on the backswing.[4] 
Following through with your swings helps you get more distance. Rather than stopping your downswing once you make contact, keep the club head moving forward through the ball toward your target. Try to hit the ball when your club is at the lowest point of your downswing. When you finish your swing, make sure your belt buckle or button of your pants faces the target. If your hips are out of position, then focus on leading the turn with your hips on your next swing.[7] 
Running drills helps you detect and fix issues with your swing. Rather than waiting until you’re on the course, try doing practice swings at home or at the driving range. As you work through drills, focus on your club’s alignment, body posture, and the path of your swing to see where you can improve. Some easy drills include:[8] 
A strong grip ensures your iron won’t turn or shift during your swing. Straighten out the head of your club so it’s aiming toward your target. Hold the club firmly with your non-dominant hand about 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the end of the club and your thumb on top of your grip. Then, position your dominant hand just ahead of the other on the lower part of the grip so your little finger and index finger are touching.[9] 
Having your feet below your shoulders gives a strong, sturdy base. Set the iron’s head behind your golf ball and stand a step or two back from the ball. Position your feet directly below your shoulders so most of your weight is on your front foot to create a strong foundation for your swing. Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Bend forward at the hips until your arms can comfortably hang straight down.[11] 
Aligning your body with your target stops you from overswinging. When you’re getting into your stance, picture an imaginary line running from the side of your body to where you want the ball to go. Position your front shoulder so it’s pointing right where you want the ball to go. This keeps your hips from turning too far back on your backswing.[12] 
Placing the ball forward ensures the club makes good contact. You’ll get the most control and consistency from iron shots if the club’s face is squared off when you hit the ball. If you’re using your 5- or 6-iron, position the ball directly centered between your feet. When you swing a 3- or 4-iron, adjust your feet so the ball is 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) to your front foot. When you shoot a wedge or a short iron, stand so the ball is 1 inch (2.5 cm) closer to your back foot instead.[13] 