How to Reduce Driver Launch Angle

The launch angle of your shot is measured by the initial elevation angle of the ball immediately after impact with the club head. If you launch shots high into the air, you have a high launch angle. There are a number of ways to reduce your launch angle.

Some are simple, such as teeing the ball lower or reducing the loft of your driver. Some require a change in your swing that might decrease your distance and/or accuracy.

1. Use a less lofted driver. As PGA teaching professional Josh Zander explains, this is the quickest and easiest way to reduce your launch angle.

1. Tee the ball back farther in your stance. This will enable you to contact the ball on more of a downswing, which reduces your launch angle.

1. Set up with your right shoulder higher -- if you play right-handed -- and your weight a bit more on your left side. This is another way to help you hit the ball on more of a downswing.

1. Use a more rigid shaft with a higher kick point. A less flexible shaft with a kick point closer to your grip will reduce your launch angle.

1. Use a driver with a shallow face. It will have a lower center of gravity, which will propel the ball off the club face at a lower launch angle.

1. Adopt a downward angle of attack. Club expert Tom Wishon says the key to increasing your launch angle is a swing with an upward angle of attack. Your driver should contact the ball on the upswing in order to launch it high into the air. Conversely, a downward angle of attack, which results in striking the ball on your downswing, will decrease the launch angle substantially.