[EdZ]

........I drew a line and asked the student to have the leading edge enter the turf at that line in the absence of the ball. No problem, 8 out of 10, precisely at the line. So, clearly it's not the mechanics. Once, however, the ball is placed slightly behind that line, guess what? Fat, fat, fat, fat, fat (2~3'' behind), or thin, thin thin, thin, thin (gliding through the grass), or either, exactly as I anticipated, even with the ball placed 2~3'' behind. What's going on here? At least it's quite clear that it has to do with the brain...............

What is going on is that with no ball, it is fairly easy to learn where to direct the force of your hands to take a divot with a forward leaning shaft.

With a ball - the brain tries to send the force, the hands, AT the ball, rather than where that force needs to be directed - AHEAD of the ball and down to the ground.

It is one of the greatest reasons for throw away. A misunderstanding of where to direct your force.

Next time you go to the range, put a ball 3 feet in front of the ball you are hitting. Send your hands to the ball in front.