Alignment---hitting everything "left"

[dmoore9003]

I'm a 3.5 index. Lately every ball I hit on my SkyTrak has a late hook. Im not doing that on the course or at the range. Could my Skytrak's alignment be off---and if so how do I correct?

Thanks.

[Lynchdpm]

I always seem to have alignment issues (ball starts left or right of where it hits on the screen) with the skytrak. In fact I usually align the unit hitting short punch 8 irons or wedges prior to every session in order to dial in the unit, but I never see an exaggerated late draw or fade bias. Actually skytrak has IMO replicated my small fade perfectly. BTW (my level icon is ALWAYS within the acceptable range even when I have issues. I have noticed when the alignment is off its generally when the unit is pitched forward or backward.. not so much whether its level side to side....and obviously it needs to sit correctly in its FMJ. Good luck

[sheptunes]

I would bet it's a symptom of an alignment issue. One of my first sessions had this happen to me and a couple of my buddies.. all three of us were getting left-tumbling draws/hooks when only one of us plays a draw.

Piggybacking on Lynchdpm's points a bit... If you can confirm that there is not a significant amount of draw spin being detected, I suggest you try a few steps before your next hitting session:
-Go into the device level first and zero out your pitch&roll values, then use alignment mode to get your two red dots. Are you hitting into a net? If so, put some tape down or on a spot in the net which extends ST's projected target line.
-Are you using the metal protective case? If so, look down into the case from above to see if your ST is situated parallel to the case's front face. It can be canted if screwed in without careful attention. Also, try placing an alignment stick in the groove on the base plate in front of the metal case...it fits perfectly. (home depot and lowes sell them for a couple bucks, don't buy the gimmicky ones from a golf store for $15+).
-Are you using a golf mat? If so, try to make sure it isn't moving. Mine skids a bit on my concrete floor after hitting 30 or 40 shots, especially higher speed swings. I placed down painters tape at the corners to keep an eye on it getting out of position.
-If you're hitting into a net, consider placing a dark backdrop behind your net (you can find a black or gray photographer's backdrop cloth for about 20bucks on amazon to hang behind your net). This will let you get a glimpse of where your ball flew after impact. for example: when I see the ball jump off my clubface to the right more than normal, I kinda know to expect that ST will project my shot out to the right of the target line.
-Aside from alignment, make a habit of placing your clean golfball with its logo facing the ST. Try placing the ball about a half inch behind the red dot at 3oclock (if you're a righty).

good luck!

[Morini]

My understanding is that misalignment will cause shots to be off on horizontal launch angle (ie. push or a pull), but will not lead to additional spin axis. In other words, it will not in itself lead to ST reading shots as a slice or hook.

The hook comes from negative spin axis. ST indicates negative spin axis because between the two images, the ball has rotated in the y axis (up and away from the camera). Odds are that this is accurately describing what really happened. It is fairly easy to check the calibration. Simply take an iron and hit a long chip type shot (say 20-30 yards) and confirm zero (or near) spin axis on average.

You mention "late hook". One of the known issues with ST range is that the ball flight algo does not account for spin decay. In other words, spin rate does not slow over time as a real ball would. As a result, it exaggerates hooks and slices particularly with longer clubs. This could explain at least part of your issue. I believe Flightscope Trajectory Optimizer takes spin decay into account, so simply enter the ball data and see if that is more like your regular ball flight.

There are a few other possible causes. It could be the mat twisting the face. It could be a number of factors related to indoor swing (subconscious swing changes caused by confined space and/or false perception of true target line).

[PunchoutPro]

My own two cents for the same issue. Sometimes I have found my swing gets flatter while swinging indoors. Especially with the follow through. My left shoulder will be low and right shoulder gets high at the finish. I also do not come through with my body as hard and the arms and hands can flip over.

I never really had that shot outdoors, but after hitting a lot on the sim, it can show up in real life. I think the Skytrak might over exaggerate the late spin too (spin decay issue?) And the mat may also play a part. Usually alignment is ok if the ball is starting online and the unit is level to the hitting surface.