GOLFMEDIC

Tip From the Archives

Angle of Attack

Problem

You want to learn how to control the distance of your sand shots.

Cure

The amount of the sand moved and the speed of your swing controls the distance of the shot. By changing the angle the clubhead moves into the sand, you can control how much sand is displaced and therefore how high and far the ball will fly. Enter the sand a very steep angle if you want a high trajectory with limited roll. When you enter the sand at a shallow angle, you will see a low shot with lots of roll.

Therapy

The ball will bounce out of the sand at the same angle you came down into the sand to make contact with it. Try bouncing a ball in an empty tennis court. When you throw the ball directly down, it bounces up at the same angle. If you bounce it down low, it bounces up low. Same thing happens when you are hitting the ball in the sand, except you are using the clubhead to hit directly down so that the ball bounces up at the same angle you hit down on it. You can help control your angle of attack when you set up to the ball. For a steep angle, place most of your weight on your forward side, keep your hands well ahead of the ball, and remember to make a V shaped swing. For a shallower angle of attack, place the ball further in your stance, put your hands just slightly ahead of the ball, set your weight evenly on both feet, and remember to make a U shaped swing. Set more weight onto your back leg if you need even greater distance.

Browse by Category

Problem by Club

Problem by Location

Problem by Situation

Problem by Fault