question

Question
Hello ken: when one hits an iron shot, one hits down on the ball, the face of the iron  is supposed to pinch the ball again
the ground. What happens when the ball is perched on a tee,is still supposed to pinch against the ground? Thank you
jerome

Answer
Hi Jerome,

"Pinching the ball against the ground" is not correct. That phrase is actually a way of describing what it feels like to the player because the ball is hit first, and then the club collides with the ground and carves out a divot. The sensation is more about "pinching the ground" after the ball.
moving
In reality, the effect on the ball would be identical, even if the ball were on a tee, as long as the club path is the same as when hitting the ball off the ground. The difference would be no divot, or much less of a divot, because the ball is perched above the ground.

When on the ground, it's important that the club make contact with the ball before the club reaches its lowest point (bottom of the swing). This improves the likelihood of good contact. If the club were to make contact with the ball at the bottom of the swing, there would be greater likelihood of hitting the ball fat (club hits the ground before hitting the ball).

When on a tee, there's no need to worry about hitting the ball fat. When hitting a tee shot, you actually want as large of a launch angle as possible (for maximum distance). Thus, if possible, you want the club moving upwards at impact.

Take a look at this page on my website:
http://probablegolfinstruction.com/golf-club-grooves-backspin.htm

You'll view some videos of clubs making contact with the ball. You'll see that there is no pinching against anything.

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Ken Tannar