There are many sports and activities that require precision, but in this aspect, golf comes second to none. It is one of the disciplines that calls for finesse in bucket loads, as any small movement in a matter of millimeters can change the whole outcome of a given match.
In golf, uneven terrain presents itself constantly. Sand traps, different types of grass, slopes, and much more. Given this, your ability to sort out these obstacles will easily determine your opportunities for victory.
One hurdle many golfers have to jump over, figuratively speaking, is how to hit a ball that lands above feet level. The elements of awkwardness and asymmetry can hinder your overall game if unprepared. So here we are going to show you how to cope with this situation in a thorough manner.
What Makes Irregular Shots So Difficult?
As though there are many external contributing factors by themselves, such as the positioning of the ball, the wind, and so on, you need to change how you react to the environment to make it work.
Some of the elements you can control are the overall position of the body while opposite the ball, the form in which you grip the club as well as the type of club being employed, your level of marksmanship, and the angle you use for your club when hitting the ball.
Some pointers to be given may feel uncomfortable to put into practice at first, but with a little elbow grease, it can be easily pulled off.
How to Get the Best Shot Possible
There are diverse tips you can put into practice to get the best results possible. You do need to understand that what works for some people doesn’t for others. Golf is a very personal sport, where comfort is a highly determining factor when talking about positive effects. It is up to you to try many of these in order to gauge what functions for you.
Assume a Stable Position
When facing irregular terrain, assuming a stable position makes or breaks the quality of the shot. As an analogy, if you have a house with weak foundations, it will collapse sooner or later. The same happens with your shot. If you are not properly planted on the ground, you will most likely strike a lackluster shot.
If you are positioned on a slope, you need to find your balance. The more pronounced the sidehill is, the more difficult it will be to do this. You should strive not to have to step back or to regain balance. Once you are good to go, you can proceed.
Grip the Club Closer Than You Normally Would
This one is so simple yet so overlooked. When the ball is located on a slope, it is closer to you than usual. This means it will also be closer to your hands. If it is closer to your hands, and you grab the club as you usually would, there is a possibility you may wind up smacking the ground.
The shorter clearance distance between the clubhead and the ground would be the culprit. This increases the chances of landing a fat shot. Therefore, you should look out to gripping the club closer to the center of the shaft than you normally would.
Employ Various Clubs
Once again, this comes down to personal preference. However, it is a good idea to try different alternatives to see what suits you best. For instance, let’s say you are using a Number 6 to hit the ball, as you would do so in other circumstances. Perhaps in the case of a slope, you’ll be better off hitting it with a Number 5 instead.
If you wonder why, the answer is very elemental: the shorter shaft of the club will compensate (while gripping the club closer) for the lower loft that would hypothetically send the ball further. Hence, the ball would travel the same distance as on regular ground.
This example provided above shows you that you should look for other options that may be better aligned with your playing style.
Aim At a Particular Place
This can be somewhat more difficult to put into practice, as you require more experience to make it work better. However, with enough training, you can get to do it nonchalantly on a whim.
When hitting a ball above your feet, the ball is positioned at an angle rather than having the ground perfectly situated beneath the club. This means that the club will most likely hit the ball at an angle as well. This is especially relevant when positioned opposite a steep hill, or while utilizing a shorter club.
The way to solve this is to intend to impact the ball with the toe side of the club instead of the heel part of it. This will help at correcting the trajectory and compensate for the uncomfortable position of the ball.
Use the Club at a Flatter Plane
What do we refer to when we speak about the plane? We allude to the angle formed between the club and the torso of the player. In some cases, some people have a rather horizontal swing, whereas others have a vertical one. In general terms, most players tend to have a vertical swing.
If this applies to you, you’ll have to work on it, as it may not feel natural at first. You will run the risk of burying the club into the ground if your shot is more vertical. The reason is that the clubhead will be closer to the ground than usual. This is why it is recommendable to opt for a horizontal plane, as the shot will blend with the surface better.
How to Improve Shots Above the Feet
Get Comfortable With the Uncomfortable
As with many situations in life, golf is about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. The more you expose yourself to these scenarios, the better you will adapt to them in the future. Remember that practice makes perfect!
Ask For Feedback
This one is important. You have to be willing to receive feedback if you want to improve. This also entails not always being pleased with what you hear. It is recommended to ask for the guidance of proper professionals to receive adequate advice that doesn’t hinder your game.
It’s Easier Than It Looks!
It is easier than it looks! If you don’t experience the desired results, don’t call for quits. Try to practice, put these tips into play, and experiment with what works for you. For further guidance and golf products, go to https://back2basics.golf/.
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