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Attack Angle
Also known as: angle of attack, AoA
Attack angle is the vertical direction the clubhead is moving at impact. Negative means hitting down on the ball; positive means hitting up.
For irons you want a slightly negative attack angle (roughly −2° to −5°) so the ball is struck before the turf, compressing it for control. For the driver, a slightly positive attack angle (+1° to +3°) launches the ball higher with less spin, adding distance. Attack angle is closely tied to ball position, low point, and how the body shifts through impact.
Example — On a launch monitor
Moving the driver ball position forward and adding spine tilt away from the target shifts attack angle from −1° to +3°, adding carry.
Related terms
- Launch AngleLaunch angle is the vertical angle, in degrees above horizontal, at which the ball leaves the face. Together with spin it determines how high and far the ball flies.
- Spin RateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.
- Low PointLow point is where the clubhead reaches the bottom of its arc through impact. Controlling it — keeping it at or just ahead of the ball with irons — is the basis of pure contact.
- DivotA divot is the strip of turf taken after impact with an iron. Its location and direction reveal your low point and club path — a free, visible feedback tool.
Related guides & benchmarks
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