Ball striking exercises/training aids

I was reading yesterday (which I already knew), that we should aim for
the front bottom of the ball when making contack. I sometimes hit
behind the ball & get more earth than ball. Is there any exercises or

gpsman...

You're probably not swinging around your (stationary) spine. Take a
lesson, unless you're planning on planting the course in Spring..
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- gpsman

Howard Brazee...

Me too. It isn't my aiming that is at fault, it's my body movement.

training aids to help this. I was thinking of doing something w/ tees,
once the snow & ice is gone that is.

KnighT...

Go to youTube.com and search for 'Manzella' watch 'The Brian Manzella
Show Episode 1'. He demonstrates exactly what Otto explained about
where the divot should be (because of a descending clubhead), as well
as reaching impact with a slightly open clubface on the inside 'aft'
part of the ball.

I definately reccomend the other 3 episodes, and make sure you watch
them in order.

I think the '3 ball drill' is a very good one to achieve the most
basic requirement of good ball striking.

Otto...

Forget hitting off mats with irons or fairway woods.

Hit only off turf.

Try this: imagine your ball sitting on a leaf. Focus your eyes and body on
the imaginary leaf under the ball. Hit the leaf.

Analyze your divots.

Another drill: set a second ball even with(forward/backward in your stance)
the ball you are hitting. After you strike the ball, compare the divot
entry point with the second ball you placed even with the one you hit. The
divot should start near the leading edge of the ball.

Birdie Bill...

The leading edge being on the target side of the ball. Colin
Montgomery says
that the divot should start an inch in front of the ball (on the
target side).

Easy to say, hard to do. You will probably have to make some
significant
changes in your swing to get there, and it isn't all that obvious what
needs
to change. It would be a good time to take some indoor video lessons
from a pro.