Curing the Schlaff

To schlaff or fluff the ball is to strike the ground behind the ball rather than the ball itself. If the schlaff is not severe then the shot is known as a 'fat shot'. The problem leads to a lack of distance and control and like many others is caused by an improper set-up.

One primary cause of a schlaff is the ball being too far back in the stance. The ball should be positioned somewhere between the middle of the stance and the inside of the left foot (see photograph). The longer the club the more forward the ball should be placed. When driving, the ball should be moved forward as far as the inside of the left foot.

Another reason for the schlaff is too closed a stance. In this scenario, the body rises during the backswing. On the downswing, it crouches to return to the address position. When the crouching is too much, a schlaff is caused (not crouching enough would cause the ball to be topped). Generally the stance should be as wide as the shoulders (see photograph). Open the stance slightly when using longer clubs and close it slightly when using shorter clubs.

Avoid the schlaff by paying attention to ball position and stance.