Home / Mechanics / Attack Angle

Attack Angle

The vertical vector of the clubhead at impact.

Hitting Down vs Hitting Up

To compress an iron and take a divot, the attack angle must be negative (downward). Tour average with a 6-iron is roughly -4.0 degrees. To maximize driver distance, the attack angle should ideally be positive (upward).

The Effect on Spin Loft

Hitting down excessively increases the Spin Loft (the difference between dynamic loft and attack angle). Higher spin loft equals more spin and less ball speed.

PGA Tour Averages

  • Driver: -1.3° (Many amateurs benefit from +2° to +4°)
  • 6 Iron: -4.1°
  • Pitching Wedge: -5.0°

Attack Angle and Club Path Shift

Because the golf swing is on an inclined plane, a negative attack angle shifts the true club path to the right (for a righty). A positive attack angle shifts the path to the left.