Hitting a shank off the tee

Question
I am attempting to be a high school golf coach for the first time.  One of my golfers consistenly hits an extreme shank off the tee.  He hits it at about a 45 degree angle every time.  How do I help him correct this problem?

Answer
Hello J. Ronald:

First off, congratulations and good luck in your "attempt" at being a high school golf coach.  How do you help him correct the problem?  Get him to a PGA Professional for lessons.  Do not try to do or say anything to him yourself.  However, I will give you the 3 things to check for him.  By definition, you have described the shank perfectly.  What causes the shank?  By the way, when a golfer shanks the ball, it is struck on the hosel or neck of the club, not the toe.  That is what you need to know.  I check these 3 things:  #1:  Is he standing too close to the ball.  That is the obvious one.  Keep the club in the same spot at address (I am assuming he centers the ball to the face when he sets up), and then have him back up a couple of inches.  #2:  Check his balance.  If he moves his weight to his front toe on the forward swing, he could shank it.  Make sure his weight is moving to the outside of his left foot, from the middle of the foot to the heel.  #3:  Too much hand or wrist action.  Make sure his hands are quiet through impact.  This is where a good grip comes into play.  And then finally, here is a drill you could do with him to visually show him how the club moves into the ball when he shanks it.  Have him set up to the ball.  Once the clubhead is behind the ball, tell him not to move.  Place a white tee about a fingers width away from the toe of the club.  If he hits that tee, he'll shank it.  If he misses the tee, it's physically impossible to shank it.  CAN YOU PICTURE THAT?  Good luck with him and the season.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member