Clay Ballard breaks down David Duval's 'cover the ball' feel, explaining that it only works if the golfer shallows the club early in the downswing. Using the B-29 Blue Brick training aid, Ballard demonstrates how to prevent an over-the-top slice by dropping the club into a shallow slot before rotating the right shoulder 'on top' at impact. This sequence helps recreational golfers achieve professional-level compression without getting the club stuck behind them.
Shallow the clubhead early in the downswing (to head height) before attempting to 'cover' the ball.
The 'cover' feeling involves the right shoulder coming on top to square the face and close the 'trash can lid'.
Pros use the 'cover' feel to prevent the club from getting stuck behind them after a shallow transition.
Attempting to cover the ball without first shallowing the club usually results in a disastrous over-the-top slice.
Use an alignment aid (like the Blue Brick) to ensure the club shaft is parallel to the target line halfway down.