Set-Up
The set-up is your basic position before the stroke: stance, alignment, ball position and posture.
The set-up lays the foundation for every stroke. It covers the width of your stance, the bend from the hips, slightly flexed knees, the straight spine and the distribution of weight across both feet. Added to this are the position of the ball between your feet and the alignment of feet, hips and shoulders to the target line. In the English-speaking world, this position is also called the address or address, because with it you "address" the ball. Every good stroke starts here, before the club even moves.
In practice, the set-up changes depending on the club. One example: with the 7 iron, the ball sits roughly in the middle of your stance, feet shoulder-width apart, weight evenly balanced. With the driver, the ball moves towards your left foot, the stance gets wider and the shoulder behind the ball drops slightly. Anyone who does not make these adjustments plays every club from the same position and wonders about inconsistent results. A fixed pre-shot routine helps you build the set-up the same way on every stroke.
Typical set-up faults are a stance that is too upright, tense arms and open shoulders. Many beginners align their feet at the target but turn their shoulders to the right, and the ball flies consistently in the wrong direction. A short check before every stroke is worth it: where is the ball, where are the shoulders pointing, is the weight balanced? Small corrections here improve the stroke more than any change to the swing itself.
FAQ
How do I recognise that my set-up is wrong?
A simple check: if your shoulders point to the right while your feet are aligned at the target, the ball flies consistently in the wrong direction. A stance that is too upright and tense arms also give away a poor set-up. For a check, lay a club or alignment stick on the ground along your foot line.
Do I have to change the set-up for every club?
Yes, and that is one of the most common amateur mistakes. With an iron, the ball sits roughly in the middle of your stance; with the driver it moves towards your front foot and the stance gets wider. Anyone who plays all clubs from the same position rightly wonders about inconsistent results.
How do I keep my set-up stable under pressure?
With a fixed pre-shot routine that you run through the same way on every stroke: align, check ball position, distribute weight, one last look at the target. The routine takes the thinking off your hands and ensures the foundation is right on the course, not just on the range. Quick self-check before the stroke: ball position, shoulders, weight — that is all it takes.