In order to contact the golf ball squarely, the body must remain level. Any up or down motion in the body affects the level at which the clubface contacts the ball. For example, the golf club is merely swinging in a circle around the body. If the body moves up or down so does the circle. There are four areas in the body that can change in levels and compromise solid contact.

1. The knees - If the knees start in a slightly flexed position at address and straighten or bend excessively throught the swing  - solid contact is compromised.

2. The feet - If a player begins the swinging motion with both feet planted and gets to the top of the swing with either foot more that an inch off the ground - solid contact is compromised.

3. The arms - If the lead arm near the target is folded at impact, a major loss in power occurs and it is likely a topped shot will result - solid contact is compromised.

4. The spine - if the spine goes up 3 inches in the backswing it must return 3 inches down at impact to allow the clubhead to contact the ball solidly. This is a tall task to do consistently, because the spine does not make the correct downswing adjustment - solid contact is compromised.

Obviously, all these areas must remain at the same level throughout the swing. If they do not, inconsistency is the result. It only takes one level change to affect solid ball contact. Below is a practical drill to check and achieve a level golf siwng.

The Broomstick Drill