Sean Foley’s weight shift technique could change the way you hit the ball, for the better.

After measuring more than 50 of the tour’s leading players with technology from a company called Swing Catalyst, we’ve confirmed that they shift their weight in a nearly identical manner. Using a 6-iron, the pros we tested had 55 per cent of their weight on the front leg at address, 80 per cent on the back leg back at the top, 80 per cent on the front leg at impact, and essentially all of their weight forward at the finish (below).

If you don’t shift your weight in a similar fashion, your ball-striking and distance will suffer. Next time you hit practice balls, feel your upper body staying centred, but your weight shifting in the direction the club is moving. Simply being aware of that shift should improve your shots.

Sean Foley is a Golf Digest Teaching Professional.