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Angle of Attack

Shot

The science of angle of attack: ideal impact angles for driver vs. iron, with interactive data.

A few degrees of angle change produce large shifts in distance and spin.

Are You Losing Distance to Angle?

Angle of Attack (AoA) is the angle at which the clubhead is moving relative to the ball at impact. Downward (negative) vs upward (positive)—a few degrees change distance and spin dramatically.

Driver target: +3° to +5° (upward)
Iron target: -3° to -5° (downward)

⚡ Flight Simulator

Adjust angle of attack and head speed to see how ball flight and distance change.
Approximate simulation. Club: driver assumed.

0.0°
0.0°
Downward (steep)Upward (shallow)
40 m/s
Amateur avgHard hitter

Estimated shot data

Estimated distance (Total)
211yards
● Average
Spin
2600rpm
Launch angle
14.0deg
ℹ️ Level. Stable, but a bit more upward (+3° or so) would improve high launch and low spin.

Ideal impact by club

Matching AoA to club design is key to improvement.

Upward recommended

Distance secret: high launch, low spin

  • ✔Hit after low point: catch the ball as the head is moving up.
  • ✔Reduce spin: positive AoA effectively delofts while keeping launch high.
  • ✔Setup: ball off left heel. Lower right shoulder, spine tilted right.
↗ +3°

AoA vs distance efficiency (driver)

Carry change at 40 m/s head speed

Same power, but +3° to +5° AoA can add ~15–20 yards carry. Steep downward (-5°) adds spin and cost.

PGA Tour average AoA

Average impact angle by club

Shorter clubs = more downward. Driver is the only club typically hit level or upward.

Adjustment drills you can do today

📍

Ball position

If driver is too downward, move the ball half a ball left. Easier to catch after low point.

📐

Spine tilt

Tilt spine away from target (right) at address to create a natural upward path.

👀

Tee height

Higher tee encourages upward; too low encourages hitting down.

References

Data:

  • TrackMan University: PGA/LPGA Tour Averages Stats.
  • FlightScope: Ball Flight Laws & Spin Loft (D-Plane, spin).

Model:

  • Ballistics: parabola plus lift (spin) and drag coefficients.
  • Smash factor target: 1.48–1.50.