An angle of approach that is too shallow results in either hitting the ground well back behind the golf ball or a topped shot. An angle of approach that is too shallow means that the club is swinging below plane and has dropped below the back arm bicep as the club begins to move forward. The path of the golf club approaches on an in to out path for impact.

This problem typically develops from improper arm and shoulder positioning at the top of the backswing. Most golfers who have this problem find that their back arm (elbow) is well below their front arm (elbow) at the top of the backswing. This causes the front shoulder too be much higher than the back shoulder at the top of the backswing as well.

To eliminate this problem, the front shoulder must be below the back shoulder at the top of the backswing. Try to make the front shoulder point down towards the ground somewhat close to the golf ball at the top of the backswing. This will allow the back arm (elbow) to lift higher at the top of the backswing. By allowing the back arm to lift higher, you will create the angles necessary to allow the club to swing on plane and to bisect the back arm bicep during the forward swing. The path of the golf club into the golf ball will begin to develop an inside to square path.