Golf is a sport that requires players to have a wide range of shot-making abilities. One such shot is hitting a low shot, which is useful when playing in windy conditions or when trying to avoid obstacles like trees or bunkers. In this article, we will discuss three types of low shots – the knockdown, punch, and stinger – their difficulties and how to execute them effectively.
What are Low Shots in golf?
In golf, a low shot refers to a type of shot that is hit with a lower trajectory than a regular shot.
The term “low shot” is used in golf to refer the shots that do not fly high when it is hit, instead it starts flying very low then rises to a moderate amount and stabilizes then goes down.
Why Low Shots Are Useful In Golf?
Low shots can be useful in a variety of situations, such as when playing in windy conditions or when trying to avoid obstacles like trees or bunkers.
By keeping the ball low to the ground, you reduce the effects of the wind and increase your chances of hitting a successful shot.
Factors That Affect the Height of a Shot
The height of a golf shot is affected by a number of factors, including the loft of the club, the position of the ball in your stance, and the speed and angle of your swing. By adjusting these variables, you can change the trajectory of your shot and hit it low.
Types of Low Shots In golf
| Shot Name | Character | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Knockdown Shot | 1. Less backswing and controlled spin. 2. Starts low then slowly climbs mid high and travels low. 3. Has moderate speed & distance. | If there are strong wind that can mess up your balls direction. |
| Punch Shot | 1. More Swing. 2. Starts low to high and then starts stabilizing travel to low. 3. Much more speed to overcome the obstacle & medium distance. | If there are trees that you want your ball to get out of by punching the shot through the trees with a bit more height and distance. |
| Stinger Shot | 1. Long distance with as less spin as you can. 2. Start low and then speeds up moderately to a medium height but still very low with the speed that can penetrate the strong wind and land with low spin. 3. Has the most speed & long distance. | Crosswind and trees are the core reason but also it can be done when there are rough terrain that can change your shot direction in a long shot. |
The Knockdown Shot
What Is a Knockdown Shot?
A knockdown shot is a low-trajectory shot that has a short carry distance but a long roll. It is achieved by hitting the ball with a slightly open clubface and reducing the loft of the club.
When to Use a Knockdown Shot
A knockdown shot is useful when you need to keep the ball low and under control, such as when playing in windy conditions or when trying to avoid obstacles like trees or bunkers. It is also useful when you need to hit a shot that will roll out a long distance.
How to Hit a Knockdown Shot
To hit a knockdown shot, set up with the ball slightly back in your stance and with your hands slightly ahead of the clubhead. Keep your weight forward and your hands low during the swing, and make sure to hit the ball with a slightly open clubface.
The Punch Shot
What Is a Punch Shot?
A punch shot is a low-trajectory shot that has a longer carry distance than a knockdown shot. It is called a punch shot because you need to punch out of the trees or obstacles in front of you.
When to Use a Punch Shot
A punch shot in golf is useful when you need to keep the ball low and under control, but also need it to travel a longer distance than a knockdown shot. It is also useful when you need to hit a shot that will stop quickly on the green.
How to Hit a Punch Shot
To hit a punch shot, set up with the ball slightly back in your stance and with your hands slightly ahead of the clubhead. Keep your weight forward and your hands low during the swing, and make sure to hit the ball with a closed clubface.
It is achieved by hitting the ball with a closed clubface and reducing the speed and angle of your swing.
Tiger Wood’s Stinger Shot
What Is a Stinger Shot?
A stinger shot is a low-trajectory shot that has a longer carry distance than a punch shot. It is achieved by hitting the ball with a square clubface and reducing the height of the follow-through.
When to Use a Stinger Shot
A stinger shot is useful when you need to keep the ball low and under control, but also need it to travel a longer distance than a punch shot. It is also useful when you need to hit a shot that will stop quickly on the green.
It is mostly used when there is a strong wind and it can mess up your straight shot with spin. To penetrate the wind and land on the right spot in a terrible wind with power, stinger shot is used.
How to Hit a Stinger Shot
To hit a stinger shot, set up with the ball slightly back in your stance and with your hands slightly ahead of the clubhead.
Keep your weight forward and your hands low during the swing, and make sure to hit the ball with a square clubface. Additionally, reduce the height of your follow-through to keep the ball low.
Make sure that your backswing is very powerful and your putting all power in it. Try to make it a shot that will penetrate the wind right to left, so you shot a hook that goes right to left and lands on green straight to you.
How do I know which low shot to use in a given situation?
It depends on the distance you need to hit the ball, the amount of roll you want, and the height you want the ball to fly. The knockdown shot is best for short distances, the punch shot is best for medium distances, and the stinger shot is best for longer distances.
Do I need to use a different club for low shots?
No, you can use the same club for low shots as you would for regular shots. However, you may need to adjust your setup and swing to hit the ball lower.
How do I hit a low shot into the wind?
To hit a low shot into the wind, use a knockdown shot and reduce the loft of the club. This will help keep the ball low and reduce the effects of the wind.
Tips for Hitting Low Shots
1. Adjusting Your Setup
To hit a low shot, adjust your setup by placing the ball slightly back in your stance and lowering your hands. This will help you hit the ball with a downward angle of attack and reduce the height of your shot.
2. Controlling Your Swing
To control the height and trajectory of your low shots, you need to control the speed and angle of your swing. Focus on hitting the ball with a square clubface and reducing the loft of the club.
3. Practicing Low Shots
To improve your ability to hit low shots, practice hitting them on the range. Start by hitting knockdown shots, then progress to punch shots and stinger shots. Focus on adjusting your setup and controlling your swing.
Conclusion
Hitting low shots is an important skill for golfers of all levels, and the knockdown, punch, and stinger shots are all useful for keeping the ball low and under control. By understanding the differences between these shots and practicing them regularly, you can improve your ability to hit low shots and improve your overall game.
