Here in Part 2 of playing shots from the waste area, we’ll look at how to hit full shots. Although from the same surface as hitting a pitch shot, the techniques are much different. During pitch shots we need to make sure the angle of attack remains very shallow while full shots will benefit more from a downward strike on the ball.
We must keep in mind our tendencies when hitting shots from hard tight lies… we try to help the ball into the air with a leaning back movement that aids a lifting motion. This will cause major problems with this shot; most notably, skipping into the ball and skulling it along the ground.
We should also take this into account during club selection, especially if you’re hitting fairway woods or long hybrids. Try taking less club which has more loft to help get the ball up.
If you only remember one thing from this section, let it be that we need to trust the loft of the club to send the ball skyward and not try to help it. In fact, I can think of no shot in golf that this thought wouldn’t help!
In the meantime, lets keep a couple swing keys in mind to give us the best chance at success. Starting with the address position, I’d like to make sure your weight or pressure is not leaning towards the trail leg. Keep the pressure even or slightly favoring the lead leg. Now be sure you don’t move off the ball during the backswing but keep your head right on top of the ball… this should really be your motto for the entire golf swing which will help control the low point of the swing! Keep your base solid and stable so that your torso/head doesn’t move about!
We must keep in mind our tendencies when hitting shots from hard tight lies… we try to help the ball into the air with a leaning back movement that aids a lifting motion. This will cause major problems with this shot; most notably, skipping into the ball and skulling it along the ground.
We should also take this into account during club selection, especially if you’re hitting fairway woods or long hybrids. Try taking less club which has more loft to help get the ball up.
If you only remember one thing from this section, let it be that we need to trust the loft of the club to send the ball skyward and not try to help it. In fact, I can think of no shot in golf that this thought wouldn’t help!
In the meantime, lets keep a couple swing keys in mind to give us the best chance at success. Starting with the address position, I’d like to make sure your weight or pressure is not leaning towards the trail leg. Keep the pressure even or slightly favoring the lead leg. Now be sure you don’t move off the ball during the backswing but keep your head right on top of the ball… this should really be your motto for the entire golf swing which will help control the low point of the swing! Keep your base solid and stable so that your torso/head doesn’t move about!