Is a cupped position at impact scooping?

Question:  I got a video lesson and my instructor said I was scooping the ball.  Do I need to get my hands more forward at impact like he said?

Jaacob's Answer:

Some would argue that an impact position with any amount of palmar dorsiflexion (cup) would be scooping, especially if you were to only see a freeze-frame of even a slightly cupped impact position. However, if you are still making a descending blow, taking a divot after the ball, and not trying to "help" the ball in to the air..it is not scooping.

Only change to this hands forward position if you feel like you are hitting the ball too high.  Most amateurs don't have the swing speed to be in this position and still get the ball up in the air (especially with clubs like 3-5 irons).