The simple shift for consistent contact.

More and more we are seeing hybrids enter the bags of the game’s best players, but don’t let the look of these long-iron replacements deceive you.

The larger head looks like a substitute for a fairway wood, but they are designed to be hit like a long iron with a descending blow. I see many amateurs trying to ‘sweep’ shots with their hybrids, which leads to inconsistent contact.

A quick way to fix that is to move the ball position an inch or two inside your lead foot (left foot for right-handed players). This helps create that descending blow we are looking for that utilises the loft of the golf club and produces more solid contact. It also helps eliminate that high, weak shot to the right that comes from not hitting down and through with hybrids. Miguel Angel Jimenez is a magician with his hybrids and often takes a divot because of the descending angle of attack into the ball.

Bring the ball back inside your lead foot and hit them like the irons they were meant to replace.

Hybrid or fairway wood?

If your swing speed is less than 90 miles per hour – which is the case for most amateurs – consider replacing your long irons with fairway woods rather than hybrids. Adam Scott is one of several top players who regularly carry a 7-wood in their bag, and they are a great option for club golfers too. The extra length and stability will produce a much more consistent and stronger ball flight.

Which part of your game do you most want to improve? E-mail [email protected] and Jason will provide a drill in an upcoming issue to help you get better.

Photo by Getty images: Andy Lyons