Trouble Shots like topping the ball is a series of lessons focusing on some of the more common problems a player may encounter while playing.
TOPPING THE BALL: MY 3 REASONS
Topping the ball is when you hit the top of the ball sending it along the ground a relatively short distance.
Why does this happen?
There are 3 aspects of the swing which are responsible for the majority of these topped shots which are:
1- LEGS
2- HIPS
3- ARMS
1- The legs:
The legs should maintain the same degree of flex during the backswing and forward swing.
Proper motion:
As the shoulders cause the hips to turn, the legs should maintain the same degree of flex as shown in the photo.
Improper motion:
This shows the right leg straightening during the backswing. This can cause numerous problems ranging from poor weight transfer to a possible tilting of the upper body.
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2- The Hips:
The address position (tilt of the upper body) must be maintained during the swing. The upper body (the spine) which is guided by the shoulders, should rotate around a fixed axis.
Proper motion:
The angle of the upper body (or tilt) is maintained during the backswing.
Improper motion:
This shows the upper body straigthening during the backswing, one of the key causes in topping the ball.
3- The arms: 
Proper motion:
The proper motion should show both arms extended at impact ensuring good contact.
Improper motion:
This shows both arms bent in the impact zone resulting in a topped shot.
