Shallow angle of attack

Question
Good day,

How are you?
For these two months I have worked on my full swing and a controlled approach swing for exact distances on those 8, 9-irons and wedges. I am glad that with the proper fundamentals, my full swing and ball impact is so much better now. I am also working on some drills when I am not practicing on the range,I think those help a bit too.
Recently, my coach has taught me a very vague concept--the shallow angle of attack. I must admit that I have only heard this from some TV commentator during PGA tournaments and have never read or seen any instructions to play such shots. My regular wedge play is similar to all my other irons, hitting it at a deeper more V-shapes angle of attack.

Worst of all, he gave me only some gadgets to work with--ie short rubber tee about 6 inches behind the ball. I should hit the tee on the upswing and downswing, but not digging into the ground on impact. It should be more of a sweeping motion, a more extended U-shape swing. He said I should feel the swing in my hands.

The problem is that I don't understand this. How am I suppose to do that? Sure I can work with those gadgets, but I am getting it on random chances only. What kind of changes to my regular swing should I make that result in a shallower angle of attack?

Thanks for your time in reading this.

With best regards,
MY Chooi


Answer
First of all MY, are you pleased with your current contact and ball flight?  If you are, and the shots are doing what you want them to do, why change?!

A shallower angle of attack will result in a shallower divot pattern.  This is desired by some from a trajectory viewpoint, where the ball will penetrate into the flight more.  If you divots are rather deep, that indicates the angle of attack is steeper.  When this happens, a little more backspin will be produced, causing a higher ball flight.  In the wind, that may cause a problem....

The angle of attack will be a direct relation to your path and plane.  Think about the club as it swings:  If it is more of a "merry go round" shape (flatter circle), the club will be on a shallow path.  It the club is more like a "ferris wheel" shape, the path is more of an upright circle, and steeper path.  Got it?

Ask your coach why he wants you to be doing this.  He must have a reason, and as a student, you need to ask him that question.  I am sure he is very competent, so ask him for a more detailed explanation.

Hope this helps, keep me informed!  Glad things are working for you.

Rick