Golfers often find themselves needing to adjust their ball flight for different scenarios. Whether you're looking to hit a high draw, a low cut, or something in between, understanding the mechanics behind these shots is crucial. Here, we break down how to achieve these ball flights while controlling spin, so you can add more versatility to your game.
A high draw is a powerful and elegant shot that requires a combination of upward strike, tilt, and body alignment. Here’s how to execute it:
Setup and Tilt: Begin by setting up with more Upper Body Tilt, and a Wider Stance. Place the ball slightly forward of your armpit but avoid going too far forward, as that can lead to low-face contact.
Body Lines: Align your body lines to the right. Importantly, move both feet equally to achieve this alignment instead of just pulling one foot back or pushing another forward. Ensure your shoulders match this rightward alignment to avoid inconsistencies caused by a forward ball position.
Extension and Turn: Focus on extending through your knees, hips, and spine while maintaining a right bend. This combination allows you to hit up on the ball from the inside path, creating the ideal conditions for a high draw.
For a low draw, the principles change slightly, emphasizing a more level strike with less tilt and extension:
Setup Adjustments: Reduce the amount of tilt in your setup. You’ll remain more centered and avoid excessive extension through the swing.
Body Alignment: Align your body slightly right, but not as far as you would for a high draw. Since you’re hitting more level, you don’t need as much rightward alignment.
Swing Mechanics: Staying more centered and minimizing upward motion helps you achieve a lower trajectory while maintaining the draw shape. This approach also reduces spin compared to a steep downward strike.
Hitting a high cut requires precise adjustments to achieve a controlled fade without overcutting:
Setup and Ball Position: Start with a slightly forward ball position, ensuring it’s inside your feet. Add tilt, but don’t overdo it.
Body Alignment: Set your body lines to the left. If you go too far left, adjust your face position accordingly to avoid excessive curvature.
Upward Strike: Hitting up on the ball with an open face produces a high cut that fades right. This ensures you cut the ball and avoid the dreaded Double-Cross.
Executing a low cut can be tricky, as it requires balance between downward strike and path control:
Setup and Extension: Minimize extension to stay on top of the ball. Avoid excessive downward motion, which can shift the path too far right of the face and result in a pull hook.
Chest Rotation: Rotate your chest through impact to keep the path left of the face. This helps you avoid snap hooks and ensures a clean cut.
Path Awareness: Maintain an open chest position and focus on a controlled downward strike to keep the ball low while achieving the desired fade shape.
High Shots: More tilt, extension, and upward strike are essential.
Low Shots: Stay more centered with reduced tilt and extension.
Draws: Align your body right and hit from the inside.
Cuts: Align left and rotate through impact to control the path.
By understanding and practicing these adjustments, you’ll be able to shape your shots and control spin effectively, giving you the confidence to handle any situation on the course. Master these techniques, and you’ll elevate your game to a whole new level.
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