Controlling how high or low your golf ball flies is one of the most useful and impressive skills you can develop on the golf course. It’s what separates reactive golfers from proactive shotmakers. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a flighted shot is, explain why it's such a valuable tool in your arsenal, and give you a practical, step-by-step tutorial for hitting both low and high shots on command.
At its core, a flighted shot is any shot where you intentionally alter the ball's trajectory to be lower or higher than your standard, stock golf shot. Imagine your 7-iron normally flies to a certain peak height, flighting it down means hitting a 7-iron that flies noticeably lower, while flighting it up means hitting one that soars higher than usual.
This isn't just about swinging harder or softer. It's a technical adjustment that comes from changing your setup and swing dynamics to manage the club's loft at impact. Think of it like a pool player using "english" on the cue ball to control where it goes after contact. A flighted approach shot allows you to control what the golf ball does not just in the air, but also when it hits the ground.
Generally, we talk about two primary types of flighted shots:
Learning to manipulate your ball flight is more than just a neat party trick, it's a vital part of smart course management that directly saves you strokes. Once you have this skill, you start looking at the course through a different lens, seeing opportunities instead of just problems.
This is the most common and powerful application. Have you ever hit a perfect shot directly at the flag, only to watch the wind grab it and dump it in a greenside bunker? It's frustrating. A low, penetrating knockdown shot minimizes the wind's effect. It stays "under the worst of it" because it's in the air for slightly less time and presents a lower, more controlled ball flight. Conversely, playing downwind, you can hit a high shot and let the wind help carry it for some extra distance.
We've all been there: your tee shot finds its way under a cluster of trees, and your only window to the green is beneath a low-hanging branch. A standard shot is impossible. This is the perfect moment for a low, flighted punch shot to escape trouble and maybe even find the green. On the flip side, what if a tall tree is directly between you and a front pin? The high, soft-stopping shot is your ticket to carrying the obstacle and giving yourself a putt for birdie.
The ability to flight your shots gives you a huge strategic advantage on approach shots.
Hitting a low shot feels powerful and controlled. The goal is to reduce the effective loft of the club at impact by compressing the ball with a forward-leaning shaft. It feels solid and sounds incredible when you get it right.
Because you'll be making a shorter, more controlled swing, you need to "club up." This means taking at least one more club than you'd normally hit from that distance. For example, if it's a 150-yard shot and you normally hit an 8-iron, grab your 7-iron. If it's extra windy, you might even consider the 6-iron. Don't worry - the technique will reduce the distance so it travels the correct yardage.
The most important work for this shot happens before you take the club back. Here’s the setup:
The swing is all about intent and impact, rather than a long and flowing motion.
This is key to controlling the ball flight. To keep the ball low, you must have a low, balanced finish. Aim for your hands to finish about shoulder-height and point right at your target. This feeling is a straight line and low plane.
In contrast to the low shot, the high floater requires you to increase the effective loft of the club at impact and achieve a higher launch angle.
If possible, select a club with more loft, like a pitching wedge or gap wedge if you need to hit it high. This technique can still be applied to any iron.
To pull off this shot, you need to completely adjust your setup from the low shot.
The swing is smooth and unhurried, emphasizing a full turn and a long, high finish.
This is key to getting the ball high. A full, high finish is absolutely essential. Let your hands finish high and your trail shoulder point up towards the sky. This promotes a high trajectory and maximum spin. Keep your body rotating to maintain control.
Mastering these flighted shots will significantly improve your course management and overall game. There's a lot to learn about proper golf swing techniques and alignment, but understanding how to adjust your setup, grip, and swing for different trajectories is a crucial skill. It gives you more control over your ball flight in the wind and around obstacles, helping you shave strokes and play with more confidence. Keep practicing these adjustments, and you'll be shaping shots like a pro in no time.
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