It’s very common to see a player trying to “help” the ball in the air, as opposed to using the club properly to launch it. There are two drills I use, which have both helped players learn to apply the club properly, and eliminate thin shots. The great thing is – both of these drills have added value! They can improve swing direction, balance, and off-center strikes, among others.
First take 4 tees and place the ball on a very low tee, put one tee on either side of the toe and heel (leaving a 1/4 of an inch between), and place the final tee 1/2 inch in front of the ball. The goal is to strike the tee in front of the ball without hitting the “gate” tees.
The second drill is to take your back foot (right foot for RH player) and align that toe with the heel of your front foot. You may have to move slightly closer to the golf ball when you address it. From this position, make half-speed swings with the feeling that your body is stable, but your arms are extending through contact.
Try them both!