Stop Guessing Your Ball Position: The 4-Step Setup That Creates Pure Contact Every Time

If your ball striking feels inconsistent — solid one shot, thin or heavy the next — the problem might not be your swing. It’s your ball position.

Most golfers unknowingly change where the ball sits in their stance from shot to shot, which completely alters their low point and makes consistent contact nearly impossible. In this lesson, I’ll show you a simple, repeatable 4-step setup routine that removes the guesswork and gives you reliable contact with every club in the bag.

🎥 Watch the Full Lesson

Why Ball Position Matters More Than You Think

Every full swing has a low point — the lowest part of the arc your club travels on its way through the ball.

• For irons and wedges, the low point must be in front of the ball

• For driver, the low point shifts behind the ball to create an upward strike

When your ball position changes from swing to swing, your low point changes with it. That’s why you’ll hit one shot flush and the next one fat or thin, even with the same swing.

The fix isn’t a new move — it’s a consistent setup.

The One Rule That Simplifies Everything

For all full swings off the ground:

👉 Set the ball one clubhead inside your lead heel.

That’s your anchor point.

From there, the only thing that changes is stance width, not ball position.

The 4-Step Setup Routine (The “Dance”)

This simple sequence removes all guesswork and gives you the same setup every time.

Step 1: Approach The Ball Trail Foot First

Stand with your feet close together and place the ball centered between them.

As you step in with your trail foot, be sure to align your instep with the back edge of the ball.
This is your reference point for every full swing.

Step 2: Set The Club Face - Take Your Aim

Hinge forward from your hip socket and position the club head behind the ball.
Take a moment to ensure the club face is aligned with your target.

Using an “intermediate” target, which is something you see on the ground along your line a few feet in front of the ball is a great way to end up in a reasonable position.

Step 3: Set Your Lead Foot

• Shots off the ground - measure a club head width

• Driving - step the lead foot forward and measure ball to lead heel

👉 Key To Remember - tee shots off a par 3 (No Driver) are played the exact same as shots off the ground. When the rules allow, use a tee. It’s an advantage. But keep in mind, you’re ONLY trying to give yourself the equivalent of the best lie you’ve ever seen in the fairway. A ball teed too hight with these clubs is not correct for solid contact on the sweet spot.

Step 4: Adjust Stance Width

Now widen your stance with your trail foot based on the club:

• Short irons → narrower stance

• Mid irons → moderate width

• Long irons & hybrids → wider stance

The ball does not move — only your trail foot does creating the illusion of a moving ball position. With the exception of the driver, the ball is set the same distance from the lead heel.

• Irons / hybrids: Head stays fairly centered, slight forward shaft lean

• Driver: Widest stance, ball at the lead heel, head slightly behind the ball

That’s it. Same process, every time.

👉 This system represents the basics where every golfer should start. Once the basics are sound, a player may choose adjustments suitable for different trajectories and curves.

Final Thought

Before you break down your swing. Be brilliant with the basics and work on creating a repeatable setup.

Master this 4-step routine and you’ll instantly improve contact, control your low point, and start striking the ball the way you’ve always wanted to.

If you want more lessons like this, make sure to watch the full video above and explore the rest of the MAKE THE TURN training library.

Online Coaching & Personalized Feedback

If you’d like individualized coaching and direct feedback on your swing, you can learn more about my online lesson programs here.