Slices – Slicing
A Slice is a shot that curves sharply from left to right (for right-handed players).…
Read More How to Fix Sky Shots in Golf
A sky shot happens when the driver strikes the ball too high on the face, often leaving a mark on the top of the driver and sending the ball almost straight up with very little distance. At Spine Align Golf we help golfers understand why this happens and how to create reliable, centered contact that maximizes distance and consistency.
What Causes Sky Shots
Sky shots normally result when a driver hits a ball that is teed too high. The top half of the clubface makes contact with the ball. It can also happen when the player keeps their weight distribution on the right side causing the club to swing with an upright arc at impact.
How to Stop Skying the Ball
Position the Ball Forward
Sky shots often appear when the ball is teed too high. Placing the ball forward near the lead heel is recommended but the height of the ball needs to match the height of the clubface, not above it. This gives the club a chance to connect with the middle of the face as it starts its upward impact arc.
Shift Pressure to the Trail Side in the Backswing
If your weight stays on your back foot (right foot for right-handed golfer) you will cause the club to swing on a steep upward vertical path. Use the SpineAlign App with hip belt to fix your hip turn angle mechanics and knee movement to allow proper weight shit. The driver swing calls for more of an upward swing arc, however the lower body must still shift weight properly.
Keep Your Head Behind the Ball
Moving your head or chest over the ball during the downswing steepens the swing dramatically. Staying behind the ball encourages an upward or level strike that eliminates skying.
Avoid Hitting Up Too Much
A strong descending blow is ideal with irons but not with the driver. Attempting to hit down with a driver often results in contact high on the face which can cause a missed sky shot. Aim for a sweeping motion that brushes the tee and sends the ball upward with natural loft.
Tee the Ball at the Correct Height
A ball teed too high encourages contact high on the face. For most drivers the ideal position is when half the ball sits above the top line of the club. This helps promote a sweeping motion that delivers the clubhead on the correct path.
Maintain a Shallow Driver Swing Plane
Driver swings should travel on a shallower swing plane than iron swings. Focus on letting the club travel around your body more instead of lifting straight up during backswing. Also, avoid hitting down towards the ball. Sweep the clubface through impact!
Quick Fix Checklist
- Tee height adjusted properly.
- Ball positioned forward in stance.
- Shallow driver swing plane.
- Weight loads into the trail side but shifts to lead side during downswing.
- The head stays behind the ball.
- Sweeping motion instead of hitting down.
Conclusion
Fixing sky shots begins with setting the ball correctly and learning to deliver the club on a good path. With the right tee height ball position and body motion you can produce solid impactful drives that travel long and straight. For deeper guidance download the Spine Align App to receive swing feedback in real time. You can also visit the Spine Align Golf Academy to continue building a powerful consistent golf swing.
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