Ball position affects loft of cluB marIa Brooks Where you position the ball in relation to your stance provides different results, depending on what type of shot you want to make. Here are three positions you can use to change your shot. Ball in the center of your stance: In the normal, centered position, you're hitting the ball as it was designed for the loft of the club. This gives the ball normal lift and distance. Ball toward the back of your stance: Your hands are in front of the ball, and the shaft is angled forward by the time you make contact. This de-lofts the clubface, giving the ball much lower lift and more roll on the ground. Ball towards the front of your stance: Your hands are behind the ball, adding loft to the clubface. This position adds height to your shots and makes the ball roll less. Brooks recommends center position for short irons and midirons and slightly forward of center for long irons. For chipping or specialty shots (such as keeping the ball low under tree branches), Brooks recommends a ball position that is further back. Don't BenD your leaD elBow or wrist Tom TalBoTT Keep your lead elbow and wrist straight. Talbott says to remember the stance and swing of legendary professional golfer Ben Hogan -- if either your elbow or wrist is bent, you open yourself up to making numerous other errors and your golf shots will be erratic. MAGAZINE 33