Know Your Numbers: Angle of Attack

What It Is

As the club head approaches the golf ball during the downswing, its path forms an arc. The angle of attack is the trajectory along this arc relative to the ground at the moment the ball is struck. A negative angle of attack (Swing A) means that the club head had not yet reached the lowest point of its arc before ball impact while a positive angle of attack (Swing B) means that the club head struck the ball after passing its lowest point in the arc. The angle is expressed as degrees up or down and is relative to horizontal.

What It Affects

Backspin

Contrary to popular belief, angle of attack is a minor contributor to spin rate. Most backspin is created by the club loft angle and head speed at impact. A steep angle of attack can deloft the club face, reducing spin. Use a shallow angle of attack (e.g. 0 to -3 degrees down) and let the club’s loft and head speed deliver the spin needed when you want the ball to check up.

Launch angle

There is an optimum launch angle for maximum distance. This is particularly important with the driver. Physics shows the optimum launch angle depends on ball speed. At ball speeds typical of most amateur players, the optimum launch angle is roughly 15 degrees. Because of their higher ball speed, PGA Tour players average launch angle is just over 11 degrees.

Launch angle is determined by the club’s loft angle and the angle of attack at impact. So, with a driver loft of 10.5 degrees and an angle of attack of +5 degrees, the launch angle would be 15.5 degrees. You can use ClubHub’s angle of attack parameter to achieve your optimum launch angle and greatest distance.

Use your driver club head speed to find your optimal launch angle from this chart: