Impact Bag — Golf Drill

Impact bag golf drills are a specialized training method involving a weighted, padded bag designed to stop the clubhead at the exact moment of truth. This skill is primarily for mid-to-high handicappers and competitive players looking to eliminate the "scoop" and master the elusive forward shaft lean required for professional-level ball striking. By providing immediate physical feedback, these drills solve the problem of an early release or "casting," which saps power and leads to inconsistent c

Can I use a laundry bag or pillow instead of a professional impact bag?

Yes, a sturdy laundry bag filled with towels works well. However, ensure it is heavy enough to provide resistance without being so hard that it damages your [grip](/learn/grip) or shaft.

How hard should I be hitting the bag during these drills?

Start at 25% to 50% power. The goal is to feel the 'impact' position and shaft lean, not to see how far you can move the bag. Quality of the [downswing](/learn/downswing) sequence is more important than force.

Why does my club bounce off the bag instead of 'thudding'?

Bouncing usually indicates a 'flip' or an ascending strike. Focus on [AlexElliottGolf's](/creator/alexelliottgolf) tip of leading with the handle to ensure the clubhead is moving downward into the bag.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the impact bag drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Bob Menzies Golf: Unlock Golf POWER: Simple Drill For EXCEPTIONAL Ball Compression! (from 0:05). Utilizes an impact bag to train proper lower body rotation and impact position for improved compression.
  2. Eric Cogorno Golf: This New Driver Technique Makes Amateurs Look Like Tour Pros (from 7:06). Position an impact bag slightly forward of the ball and strike it using lead-arm and trail-arm only swings to train arm speed and proper wrist release.
  3. Warren Bennett Golf Academy: ‘LET IT GO’ - The Art of Releasing the Club into Impact (from 5:14). Tapping an impact bag (or practice ball bag) to educate the hands on squaring the clubface at impact while keeping the body passive.
  4. Bob Menzies Golf: Fix Your OPEN Clubface At Impact: Purposely CLOSE It With An IMPACT BAG. Swing at 50% power into an impact bag, intentionally striking the bag toe-first to feel a closed clubface position.
  5. Bob Menzies Golf: Stop SLICING With These SIMPLE Pro Tips & Drills (from 0:23). Utilizes an impact bag to develop club face control at impact and prevent leaving the club face open.
  6. Bob Menzies Golf: LIVE Golf Lesson (& Jack Nicklaus & Barry Sanders stories)! (from 23:41). Hitting a weighted bag to practice a square face, forward shaft lean, and lower body rotation at the moment of impact.
  7. Padraig Harrington: Improve your Golf SWING Speed | Achieving a Single Figure Handicap | Padraig Harrington (from 14:07). Hitting a heavy bag (or towel-filled bag) to provide auditory and tactile feedback for aggressive striking.

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