Trying to swing the clubhead under the golf ball is common misconception regarding impact. When a golfer tries to swing under the golf ball the tendency will be to bottom out the swing arc back behind the golf ball. When the bottom of the swing arc is back behind the golf ball and upward angle of approach will result. This upward angle of approach will lead to topped golf shots.

The clubhead should not bottom out underneath the golf ball. Instead, the bottom of the swing arc should be slightly in front of the golf ball. When the lowest point of the swing arc is out in front of the golf ball a downward angle of approach has been produced. This downward angle of approach is the necessary angle needed to consistently strike the golf ball. As the clubhead is moving down, the golf ball will be pinched between the ground and the clubface at impact. This allows the golf ball to compress off the clubface producing the backspin to lift the golf ball up and into the air.

An excellent way to practice is to lay a tee out in front of your golf ball and try to hit the tee, sending it down the fairway. By doing so, you are creating the downward angle of approach.