Correct stance width in golf is not only crucial for achieving a balanced and powerful swing, it is critical to ensure the correct impact angle with each club to get solid contact.
It cannot be understated that if you are looking to learn golf, or improve your scores, this is THE most important fundamental to get right. It is your connection to the ground, and without it you cannot generate power and speed and therefore distance.
What is the ideal stance width for golfers?
The ideal stance width for a golfer varies depending on their height, strength, and how their swing has developed at any point in time. It also has a direct relationship with the ball position in the golf swing (more on this later). There is no such thing as the "right" width for every golfer, whether they are novice or experienced, junior of senior, male or female. The width of stance will change with each club in the bag. The adage of "shoulder-width" is a misnomer and should NOT be relied upon.
How does stance width affect the golf swing?
The stance width plays a significant role in the golf swing. A wider stance can provide more stability and using the body for power. However, not being able to effectively rotate in the swing also has a dramatic effect on the club speed. If you stand too wide you cannot rotate, which is an absolute killer for clubhead speed and distance. On the other hand, a narrower stance can offer more control and precision in the swing, and allow far more rotation, but then may find lacking in balance or achieving full power from the connection to the ground.
Why is it important for golfers to find the right stance width?
Finding the right stance width is essential for any golfer to develop a consistent and effective swing. Every time a golfer steps up to the ball they need to know they are in the best athletic position for their body. Experimenting with stance width with each club in your bag can expose monumental improvements. A proper stance can generate more clubhead speed, improve ball contact, and enhance confidence on the course.
How can golfers determine their optimal stance width?
The best way to find your ideal stance width is to measure and record different stance widths on the driving range to see what feels most comfortable and effective for your swing. Working with a golf instructor can also help golfers find the optimal stance width based on their unique physical attributes and swing mechanics.
Additionally, using a product like Stryper's StanceMate not only shows you the theoretical perfect stance, you can also adjust it to what works for you body and use it that way EVERY time you practice.
What are some common mistakes golfers make with stance width?
One common mistake golfers make is thinking "shoulder width" is the correct width. Not only does this differ greatly from player to player, it has a proportional relationship with height. A tall player with narrow shoulders may in fact need a wider stance.
A better way to measure and record the best position for a golfer is using the heels as the measuring point. We go into greater detail in this in our StanceMate page.
The only way to improve your game is to use a measuring tool such as StanceMate that gives you a fixed starting point for every training session. The FIRST thing to check when you are not swinging well is your stance. Get back to basics!
Importance of ball position in the golf stance
As well as the width of your stance, making sure the ball is in the right place between your feet means each club will make better contact with the ball, with vastly improved distance and accuracy.
In modern golf theory, with any full swing shot with an iron, the ball should be approximately one clubhead width behind the lead heel. The distance of trail foot from the ball then varies depending on the length of the club being used. For example, the trail foot is much closer to the ball when using a 9-iron than when using a 4-iron.
When using a Driver, the modern consensus is the ball should be placed parallel with the inside of the lead heel. Not only is the stance the widest with driver, the trail foot is by far the the furthest from the ball.
Ideal theoretical ball position and stance width are all captured in our StanceMate product. You can then adjust it to find your ideal width of stance, and start working out the exact ball position and stance width for every club in your bag!.
It works for juniors from as young as 10 right through to Vets.
