Stop Topping the Ball: 7 Simple Fixes You Can Practise on a Golf Simulator (Beginner-Friendly)

July 2026 • FlexTee

Topping (or thinning) the ball is one of the most frustrating feelings in golf — especially if you're new, returning after a break, or you've just lost confidence in your iron contact.

The good news: it's usually not a “swing rebuild” problem. It's often one or two simple setup or low-point issues — and an indoor simulator is one of the best places to fix it because you can repeat shots, see patterns, and practise with a clear plan.

This guide is for you if:

You're topping irons (low runners) or thinning them (hot, low bullets)
You feel like you're "lifting" the ball
Your strike is inconsistent and you want a simple way to improve contact

If you're returning to golf or rebuilding confidence, also see: Returning to Golf? A Simple 60-Minute Indoor Simulator Session to Rebuild Confidence →

First: what topping vs thinning actually is

Topping

You hit the top half of the ball. The club is travelling too high at impact, or you're “standing up” through the shot. Result: a low runner with little or no flight.

Thinning

You catch the ball low on the face with little or no turf interaction. Often the low point is behind the ball, or you're trying to help it up. Result: a hot, low bullet.

On a simulator, both show up quickly because you'll see inconsistent launch, inconsistent carry, and a big gap between “good” and “bad” strikes.

7 common causes (and simple fixes you can practise indoors)

Ball position too far forward

Symptom: You catch it thin, especially with mid/short irons.

Fix: Move the ball one ball back in your stance and hit 10 shots. If contact improves immediately, you've found a big piece of the puzzle.

Weight stays on your back foot

Symptom: You “hang back” and catch it thin or top it.

Fix: Feel 60–70% weight on your lead foot at setup for irons, then keep turning through. Quick checkpoint: after the shot, you should be able to lift your trail foot heel slightly without losing balance.

Trying to lift the ball into the air

Symptom: You scoop, flip, or add loft late — leading edge catches the ball.

Fix: Pick a target and focus on brushing the mat after the ball (not before it). A simple thought that helps: “Hit the ground in front of the ball.” (Just a little.)

Standing up through impact (early extension)

Symptom: Your chest lifts, your hips move towards the ball, and the club bottoms out early.

Fix: Feel your chest stays over the ball for longer, then rotate through.

Indoor drill: place an alignment stick or club just outside your trail hip at setup (not touching). Make swings without bumping into it.

Over-swinging

Symptom: Contact gets worse when you “go after it”.

Fix: Hit three-quarter shots until strike improves, then add speed later.

A great rule: contact first, distance second. Distance returns quickly once strike improves.

Too much tension in hands/arms

Symptom: You “stab” at it and lose the bottom of the arc.

Fix: Soften grip pressure to about 5/10, then make a smooth tempo swing.

If you want a simple tempo cue: “Back… and through.” (Same rhythm each time.)

Wrong club for the job (start too hard)

Symptom: You top long irons and feel like you “can't get it airborne”.

Fix: Rebuild confidence with a 9-iron or wedge, then move up the bag. You'll improve faster by stacking small wins.

A simple 45-minute simulator session to fix topped/thin shots

You don't need a 2-hour grind. Here's a focused plan you can repeat weekly.

5 mins

Step 01: Warm-up with easy wedges

10–15 half swings with a wedge
Goal: centred contact, balanced finish

10 mins

Step 02: Ball position + weight check

Using a 9-iron: hit 5 shots with your normal setup
Move ball one ball back and hit 5
Keep ball there and add more lead-foot pressure and hit 5
Note which setup produces the best contact and most consistent carry

15 mins

Step 03: “Brush after the ball” strike block

Pick a target
Make three-quarter swings only
Focus on brushing the mat after the ball
Track one thing only: carry distance consistency (are your “good” shots clustering?)

10 mins

Step 04: Build back to full swing

5 shots at 80% speed
5 shots at 90% speed
Stop if contact drops off — go back to three-quarter

5 mins

Step 05: Pressure test

3 balls only
Each one is a “course swing” with full routine
Goal: calm, committed, balanced

What to look for on the simulator (keep it simple)

You don't need to obsess over every number. For this problem, focus on:

Carry distance (consistency is the win)
Launch (shouldn’t be wildly low/high for the same club)
Strike quality (your best shots should start to become your “normal”)

If you want help interpreting what you're seeing, coaching is the fastest shortcut — because we can identify whether it's setup, low point, or face control in minutes.

Want to understand the numbers better? See: Launch Monitor Metrics Explained →

How to practise this at FlexTee (what to expect)

When you book a bay, you'll receive access/booking instructions. On arrival, you'll enter using the details provided, head straight to your assigned bay, and get set up. If you need a hand getting going, guidance is available.

If you're returning to golf or rebuilding confidence, an indoor session is ideal: it's weatherproof, repeatable, and you can practise with a plan rather than guessing.

Want to fix your strike faster?

Book a bay at FlexTee and run the 45-minute plan above — you'll know within one session what's causing the topped/thin shots and what actually improves them.

Book a bay and run the 45-minute session plan.

Want 24/7 access for consistent practice? Ask about membership.

Interested in coaching support? See coaching info.

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