Ball below my feet

[vanschs1]

I have trouble playing the ball below my feet on a particularly difficult hole on my local course. The 2nd shot is very daunting as the ball must be played across 2 small lakes and the ball is always below your feet. I always seem to slice the ball. Any advice on changes in approach will be welcome.

[LowPost42]

Re: Ball below my feet

With the ball below your feet, it's always going to leak to the push side. Play for it.

[vp27519]

Re: Ball below my feet

The result you have mentioned is normal - it's like you are cutting the ball creating the side spin.

When the ball is below your feet you will slice. What you have to do is aim left of the target (for the r/h) and use an upright swing.

When the ball is above your feet you will hook. What you have to do is aim right of the target and use a flatter swing.

That hole that gives you grief - can you get there for one 7 out of 10 times. If so, go for it. If not, play for two.

[vanschs1]

Re: Ball below my feet

Thanks you for your positive responses. I'll give it a go on Sunday and let you all know how I'm getting on. The genral concensus seem to be to play for it as this is a natural occurance. Many thanks once again and happy golfing.

[LowPost42]

Re: Ball below my feet

There's no avoiding it, vanschs. The easiest way to remember which way the ball will go (above/below feet):

If you poured water on the ball, which way would the water run? That's the way the ball is going to go.

[BrianW]

Re: Ball below my feet

Bend forward, choke up, more knee flex, shorter back swing, one extra club, aim left.

[LowPost42]

Re: Ball below my feet

Bend forward, choke down on grip, more knee flex, shorter back swing, extra club, aim left.

In that order?

[BrianW]

Re: Ball below my feet

In that order?

Any order you like as long as it's before you strike the ball.

[Shamed04]

Re: Ball below my feet

i prefer to do it in reverse order and after ive swung

[BrianW]

Re: Ball below my feet

i prefer to do it in reverse order and after ive swung

Lost me there pal?

[Shamed04]

Re: Ball below my feet

lol well after ive swung (and usually made a terrible shot). I got through my setup the "correct" way and realize the mistakes i seem to make everytime there is any adjustment to my setup.

[2pe]

Re: Ball below my feet

Lost me there pal?

Brian, Someone told me that, in addition to your recomendations I must always use irons and let woods and rescues in the bag. What do you think about?

[BrianW]

Re: Ball below my feet

There is no reason not to use a fairway wood when the ball is below your feet as long as you setup correctly.

[LowPost42]

Re: Ball below my feet

2pe - in actuality, the longer the club you use, the less 'directionally effected' the shot will be. However, the advice you were given seems like it was more suited to ensuring a decent strike - the longer clubs are more difficult to control.

[2pe]

Re: Ball below my feet

What precisely are an up right and a flatter swing?. Is it related with the hinged wrists at the downswing?