There is more than one way to hit a shot around the green.
GOLF
Welcome to Play Smarta regular GOLF.com game improvement column that will help you play smarter and better golf.
When faced with any given situation on the golf course, you must ask yourself one question: How am I going to hit this shot? The way you approach a shot may be different from the way your playing partner does, or the way a pro does. Like a snowflake, no two methods will be exactly alike.
While there are certain methods that are accepted as prototypical techniques for certain shots, that doesn’t mean they are the only ways to hit them. The most important thing is to choose a method that helps you become consistent.
Take it knockdown shot, for example. If you have studied photography at all, you will know that there are several points in the technique that are widely taught. But just because this technique is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s the only way to hit the shot.
In the following video, TOP 100 GOLF TEACHERS Joe Hallett and Bryan Lebedevitch describe several different ways you can approach hitting the flop.
2 ways to hit a slump
Option 1
The first way to hit a flop is what we will call the safe method. This shot requires much less fine-tuning than the second method and should be used by players who may not be as confident in their short game.
To hit this shot, set up with a wide stance and an open face. Place the ball slightly forward in your stance and then on the take-off, focus on getting very wide. Then on the follow through, don’t let go of your wrists and focus on getting your hands out of the shot.
“I want to eliminate all those variables that could make that shot so difficult,” says Hallett.
Option 2
The second method is a more advanced technique that requires a little more faith to pull off.
For this shot, once again place the ball in the front of the stance and then place with the feet a little closer together. Hang your wrists on the grip and then on the downswing, release aggressively and let the clubhead pass your hands at impact.
“Have a bit more of a loose clubhead feel at the end,” says Lebedevitch.
Which one is better?
Each flop shot method described above has its merits, and you can’t go wrong with either method. But which shot is better? Well, it all depends on what gives you more confidence. Try both and see which one you can run consistently. Once you do that, you will have your answer.
