How to Hit it High and Low: Taking Control of Your Trajectory
One of the biggest differences between a good player and an average player is the ability to control their trajectory. The average player has one ball flight: their standard height. A good player, however, can adapt to the situation by hitting the ball lower to bore through the wind, or hitting it higher to get over a tall tree or stop it quickly on a firm green.
This isn't some magical skill reserved for the pros. Controlling your trajectory is actually quite simple. It's not about making a radically different swing; it's about making small, intentional adjustments to your setup. By changing your ball position and weight distribution, you can change your angle of attack, which is the primary driver of how high or low the ball launches.
How to Hit it LOWER (The "Knockdown" Shot)
This is your go-to shot for playing into a strong headwind or for keeping the ball out of trouble. The goal is a lower-launching, lower-spinning shot that penetrates through the air.
- Club Selection: The golden rule is to take at least one extra club. If the shot is 150 metres and you'd normally hit a 7-iron, grab your 6-iron.
- Ball Position: Play the ball about an inch or two further back in your stance than you normally would. For a 6-iron, this might feel like it's in the centre of your stance.
- Hands and Weight: At address, press your hands slightly more forward than usual and set about 60% of your weight onto your lead foot.
- The Swing: Make a shorter, more compact swing—think "three-quarters" back and through. The key feeling is keeping your chest "covering" the ball through impact. Your follow-through should be low and abbreviated, with the clubhead finishing below your shoulders.
How to Hit it HIGHER
This shot is useful for getting over a tree, attacking a pin tucked on a high shelf, or landing the ball softly on a hard green.
- Club Selection: Use your normal club for the yardage. You'll be adding loft through your setup.
- Ball Position: Play the ball about an inch or two further forward in your stance than normal.
- Stance and Tilt: Widen your stance slightly for more stability. Importantly, add a little more spine tilt away from the target, so your trail shoulder feels noticeably lower than your lead shoulder.
- The Swing: Make a full and complete backswing. On the downswing, the key feeling is to stay behind the ball. Feel like your head and sternum remain behind the ball at impact, which allows the club to swing up on a shallower path, using its full loft. Make a high, full finish to encourage a complete release of the clubhead up towards the sky.
Practice these shots on the range. Start with a mid-iron and get a feel for the setup changes. Hit five normal shots, then five low shots, then five high shots. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can learn to manipulate the ball's flight. This is a skill that will open up a whole new world of creativity and scoring opportunities on the course.