When is a swing characterized as 'scooping'?

A swing is characterized as 'scooping' when the club head passes the hands with the intent of lifting the ball. This typically occurs when the golfer tries to use the club in a way that suggests an upward motion at impact, often with a lack of proper wrist hinge or body rotation. In this scenario, the golfer is attempting to elevate the ball, which can lead to inconsistent contact and a less efficient ball flight.

The 'scooping' action can result in hitting the ball with the club face at an undesirable angle, potentially leading to high shots that lack distance or control. It’s important for golfers to focus on a flatter and more controlled swing path to ensure consistent strikes by allowing the club to descend properly rather than trying to overly lift the ball from the ground.

In contrast, maintaining a straight forearm during impact, locking the wrists when hitting the ball, or positioning the elbows correctly is typically associated with more fundamental swing mechanics that lead to solid, controlled shots rather than the erratic results often seen with a scooping action.