The lob shot is possibly one of the most dangerous shots for amateur golfers to attempt because of the possible outcomes if things go wrong.
When you see the professionals play the shot, especially Mickelson who is without a doubt the master, it looks so easy.
The reality is quite different. A perfectly played lob or flop shot goes skywards and falls gently onto the green with very little forward motion when it lands.
Although in amateur golf, the shot is not required that regularly, there is an easier way to play it and limit the possibilities of sending the ball flying across the green at lightning speed.
Some practice is required as the sensation of setting the club in the way that I am about to describe is against all the normal recommendations of how to play a shot, but after a few minutes, you will be able to consistently pull off the shot.
Grab your sand wedge (a 56-degree wedge is more than enough) and head to the chipping green.
Set yourself slightly open to the target line, 15-degrees is more than enough to begin with. (Your feet line will be left of the target line, for right-handed golfers.)
Unlike the normal set up position for a chip shot, with the hands in front of the ball, I want you to set your hands behind the ball, or in front of your non-target thigh (right for right-handed golfers). This immediately increases the loft of the club and ensures that you will not “flip” the hands through impact.
Now if you make your normal chipping stroke you will see the ball “pop-up” into the air and land softly on the green.
It is important to note that this is totally opposite to how you should “correctly” play a flop shot, but for those that struggle with the conventional method, this is great.
After you have learned to play the delicate “flop shot” from around 10-yards from the green you can move to longer shots, perhaps from behind a bunker to a pin tucked behind it.
The technique is the same, hands behind the ball. The longer the shot, the more important it is to keep your hands quiet and not allow them to “flip” underneath the ball.
Just as you would do with the orthodox method, the club needs to slide under the ball, but it is the need to release the hands as you play it the orthodox way that really, really makes it a difficult shot to master for the average golfer.
As with all my coaching, I try to find ways that will build confidence for my clients and this technique is one that really proved successful, with many being able to quickly move onto the more orthodox method, simply down to increased confidence and knowledge that they can play the shot.
Give it a go and see how it may be able to help you with your short game.
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