Shanking with shorter wedge shots

Question
When hitting half and quarter pitch shots with my 56 & 60 degree wedges I tend to get into patterns of hitting shanks. I've placed an object (box or 2x4) outside the ball & practiced shots which helps for a while but always revert back to shanks later. I also tried standing farther from the ball as well as swing on a steeper backswing & keep my weight balanced. No luck. I think I found the problem but still can't correct my swing. I believe my right knee is moving out toward the ball on the downswing causing the hosel to be exposed to the ball. What is the proper motion I should seek to fix this? Roll my right foot toward the left? Are there any drills I can do to fix this?

Answer
Hi David:

You are correct in what you are thinking.  The right knee should move laterally (push from the instep) down the toe line towards the left toe.  Because of this, the hips must open and clear, so you would feel the weight being accepted onto the outside of the left foot, from the middle of the foot back towards the heel, so when you are holding your finish, you could see a couple of spikes under your left toe.  Also, quiet your hand action through the impact area and don't worry about making your decent to the ball steeper.  Just make a well balanced golf swing, and continue to work on your leg and foot work.  If you are hanging back at all through impact (right knee going out towards ball is an indicator), you might shank it.  So make sure to swing to a well balanced finish each time.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member