Conference 7.286::golf

    
    Question -	How have you been working on your swing?  Have you been 
    		hitting balls off the types of mats they have at driving
    		ranges?  If so, then this could be your problem.  Those
    		type of mats elevate the ball above your feet.  What this
    		means is that you have elevated the plane of your swing by
    		a few inches.  Naturally when you try hitting a ball off
    		grass you will top it since the ball is lower than it would
    		be if you were hitting it off a mat.
    
    		You can get away with your elevated swing plane with your 
    		woods and long and middle irons since they require a more
    		"sweeping" type of swing plane.  This may be why you can
    		hit these clubs and not your short irons.
    
    		If you are not using a mat than I would need to know more
    		about how you have been practicing to figure out what the
    		problem is.  Good luck.
    
    Jeff Stack
    

    No, I've been hitting off mats when I am trying to "groove" a
    particular thing, but as soon as I feel its going ok I move to grass.
    Also the types of mats at my local are one big square of artificial
     turf, not the type with the elevated "brush".   What I am practicing
    is keeping the end of the club centered on my beltbuckle on take
    away, thus encouraging turning my hips and transfer of weight to
    my right side. This also promotes taking the club straight back
    instead of inside or outside. Also practicing starting the downswing
    by shifting my weight back to my left while keeping my shoulders
    and hips behind the ball as I swing. The problem seems to be "from
    the top".  I am "chopping" at the ball with the short irons. I went
    over to the range last nite, and hit 2 buckets. I concentrated on
    swinging my hands down and around and on keeping a nice even tempo
    and got the start of some good results. 

    Even the big square mats elevate the ball above its normal position in
    the fairway.  If you are going to grass afterwards and still topping
    the ball then there may be another problem.  A lot of times when people
    try to take the club away on a low, long plane to promote a good
    backswing and transfer of weight they tend to not break their wrists. 
    This might be your problem.  Since with shorter irons your backswing is
    naturally shorter you may not be getting a full wrist cock by
    overemphasing a straight backswing.  A good drill is to stand in front
    of a mirror with a club in your address position.  Watch what happens
    as you take the club back.  At about waist level your wrists should
    begin to cock bringing the club up towards the ceiling.  With the
    shorter irons this will be more pronounced.  For example, a wedge will
    be almost at a right angle to your forearms and wrists at waist level. 
    Try this drill for awhile to get the feel of the club in this position
    and then hit some balls and try to get the same feeling.  
    
    If you study pictures of the pros you'll notice that their club
    position at waist level on the backswing is very similar to their club
    position on the downswing.  As with anything else though don't
    overexaggerate getting your hands in this position.  Good luck and keep
    us informed.
    
    Jeff
    

    re.3   I second the previous reply.  I was having the same problem,
    hitting on top of the ball and hitting my long irons "right in the
    teeth".  Come to find out I was over emphasizint the low takeaway
    and not cocking my wrist on the backswing.  This over-emphasis on
    the takeaway also caused a sway which added to the problem.  As
    was mentioned a natural takeaway is best, let your wrists get into
    position at the waist and youmight see it disappear.  I know it
    has sure helped me,  feels great to be hitting them square again!!
    
    	Mike

    The two major reasons I have always seen for toping the ball are;
    
    1) Moving the head,up,right,left,looking up. all of them.
    
    2) not keeping the knees bend throughout the swing,ie standing up.
    
    
    Tom

    Since "it" only happens with your short irons, you may wish to practice
    them with your legs crossed!
    This method not only emphasises swing, but sets the proper mindset
    as related to balance. It puts your arms in play and takes your
    legs out of play for the shorter irons.
    Try it, you'll like the "drill" and will see immediate results.
    Good luck!
    Tom