Knock down shot archive at ProgolferDigest - The Golf Blog by Junger Woods

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How to Play the Knock Down Shot

2 Comments Published September 13th, 2007 in Knock down shot, Swing Tips.

In honor of the British Open we would like to pay respect to the wind-cheating knockdown 5-iron. Take a 5-iron, choke up a little; open your stance about 20 degrees; play the ball toward your back foot; shift your weight forward; have your hands pressed forward; and take the club back waist high and come down aggressively on the ball with very little wrist action. This shot can be used from under trees, from out of divot, off hardpan, off loose sand, into the wind, or when loft simply isn’t necessary. The shot will produce a low roller that will keep you out of trouble.

excerpt via steveandersongolf

The above is an excerpt from a master PGA professional. Although I have full due respect for his experience, it’s in my experience through teachers like Butch Harmon and players like Tiger Woods, that that’s NOT the right way to hit the knock-down shot. First, don’t choke. Second, don’t open your stance. And third, don’t play the ball off the back foot. Finally, fourth, do not shift your weight forward.

Choking will really choke you mentally and physically. Opening your stance will only confuse you. Playing the ball off the back foot and shifting your weight forward will only make you hit down on the ball, causing the ball to shoot up in the air.

So, just take your regular stance, play the ball in the middle, have weight balanced 50-50, and do NOT come aggressively down on the ball. Just swing nice and smooth 1/2 or 3/4.

That’s my 2 cents from the best coaches and players who have played this shot. If you don’t believe me, just go ask Tiger or Butch Harmon.

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Junger Woods Swing Tips - The Low-Bullet Slice Shot

1 Comment Published September 12th, 2007 in Golf News, Golf Video, Knock down shot, low-bullet shot.

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This is probably my favorite arsenal in my bag. You’ve probably seen Tiger on the practice tee showing off this shot too.

It’s a low-bullet slice shot. It’s great for hitting around the trees. The ball will take off very fast at about 90mph and then curve quickly at the end to the right.

Here’s how to hit it:

1. Get a 2 or 3 iron.

2. Open your stance about 30 degrees to the left. (The amount you open depends on how much curve you want on the ball. This must be acquired by practice and feel.)

3. Open your clubface about 30 degrees to the right. (same as above)

4. Put the ball in the center or back of your stance. (This depends on how low you want the ball to start. But don’t put the ball too far back, otherwise you will end up hitting down on the ball and put too much backspin which will make it go up.)

5. Rhythm is everything. Swing nice and easy about 3/4 or 1/2 swing. (A knock-down shot basically…)

P.S. You don’t have to hit down on the ball. Actually you want to sweep the ball like a Driver or a 3 Wood. The reason is again that you don’t want to hit down on the ball. That will cause extra backspin which will make your ball flight rise and beats the whole purpose of trying to hit a “low-bullet” slice shot.

You can practice this shot by trying to hit at driving range poles, yard markers, etc…etc…