How to Spin a Golf Ball

May 28, 2025 Charles C. Elliott

How to Spin a Golf Ball isn’t a skill reserved only for professional players. Even beginners can learn to add spin to their shots with the right technique and understanding. This guide breaks down the process, making the parts of spinning a golf ball simple and easy to grasp.

What Is Spin in Golf?

In golf, spin is the turn of the ball post impact. There are two main types:

Backspin: The ball will spin back with a little bit of upward motion and will stop fast or even roll back when it lands.
Sidespin: occurs when the ball spins sideways, causing the ball to curve, such as slices or hooks.

Backspin for most players is what you focus on first.

Why Add Spin to Your Shots?

Spin, especially backspin, when added can:

Enhanced Control: Assists in stopping the ball quickly on the greens.
Improved Precision: It helps to land closer to the hole.
Add a bit of Style: Adds professionalism to your snapshots.

How to Spin a Golf Ball: 10 Steps

1. Use the Right Equipment

Clean Clubface: Make sure your club is clean and dry. Friction is the essential ingredient for spin; dirt or humidity decreases it.
Sharp Grooves: The grooves on your club will wear over time. A sharper channel will grip the ball more and cause more spin.
Premium Golf Balls: Urethane-covered balls (think Titleist Pro V1) are intended to leave a better chance for spin control.

2. Choosing the Right Club

Well, wedges are perhaps the best spin-generating clubs in your bag, (especially with higher lofts), i.e.- with around a 60-degree wedge. More loft = more backspin potential

Also Read: How to hit a golf ball straight

3. Set Up Correctly

Ball Position: Although the stance is individual, I prefer to position the ball a little further back — so within your stance, just beside your iron shots.
Distribution of Weight: Tilt yourself forwards, transferring weight onto your front foot.
Stand and Clubface: Open your stance a bit and open the clubface to create loft and spin.

4. Execute the Right Swing

Downward strike: A motion that hits the ball downward before it contacts the ground. This generates the friction needed for spin.
Continue the Acceleration Through Impact: Allow your swing to keep accelerating through the ball.
Proper follow-through: Finish high and extended when possible, as this promotes consistency and gives you the best chance at maximum spin.

5. Practice Drills

Tee Drill: Use a tee and set it a little in front of the ball. Try to strike the ball, and then the tee — this encourages a downward strike.
Controlled Half Swings: Do these with anything from a 9-iron to a 7-iron to a sand wedge.

Also Read: How to Arrange a Golf Bag

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Dirty Gear: Do check your clubs and balls before you play.
Poor Choice of Ball – Low quality balls can affect spin
Crappy Technique: No scooping, rather, a downward hit is what you want.

With these steps, you’ll be on your way to spinning a golf ball like a pro. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect and persevere!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is spin in golf?

Ans: Ball rotation after impact.

2. What is backspin?

Ans: Ball spins backward and stops quickly.

3. What is sidespin?

Ans: Ball curves left or right.

4. Why add spin?

Ans: For control, accuracy, and style.

5. Best club for spin?

Ans: High-lofted wedge.

6. Does ball type matter?

Ans: Yes, premium balls spin more.

7. Where to place the ball?

Ans: Slightly back in stance.

8. How to swing for spin?

Ans: Hit the brakes and accelerate.

9. Should the club be clean?

Ans: Yes, always clean for friction.

10. Can beginners spin the ball?

Ans: Yes, with practice.

11. Good drill for spin?

Ans: Tee drill.

12. Common mistake?

Ans: Scooping instead of hitting down.