Tip From the Archives

U and V Swings

Problem

You have difficulty changing from woods to irons while playing because of the adjustment needed for the club type. You also want to learn how to use these swinging styles when you are stuck in a sand trap.

Cure

You should have a steep swing with your irons and a shallow swing with your woods. For a shallow swing with your woods, imagine that you are making a U shape while swinging your woods. Take steep or downward blow with your irons by making a V shaped swing. You could use either swing type with your irons in the sand to help adjust the distance. If you use a U shaped swing in the sand, you will get a longer and lower ball flight. If you make a V shaped swing in the sand, then you will get the ball up into the air and stop much quicker.

Therapy

Go into a sand bunker and practice swinging both the U and V shaped swings. You will notice that is much easier to hit out of the sand at the same steepness you did when you swung into it. If you are in a fairway bunker and need more distance, try using a U shaped swing. Set up so your weight is distributed evenly onto both of your feet. Allow your wrists to cock naturally as you take the club back and through the sand in a shallow or U shaped swing. Preset more weight onto your back leg and move the ball further in your stance if you need even more distance. If you have a sand shot that is near the green and need the ball to get up into the air and land stop on the green, try using a V shaped swing. Set up so your weight is more on you forward leg. Move your arms up sharply and cock your wrists early to help get the club up quickly. Move the club through the sand just below the ball and allow your forward swing to mirror your backswing to complete the V shaped swing.

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7 votes

 
Kuno Ammann | 5 years ago, at the end of September

In my opinion for most golfers the problem is that they think they should use a different swing style for irons, woods etc. If you are not a very good player a good 'Therapy' is to follow the new golf swing teaching practices: Consider to use only one - 'your' - swing style for all clubs and locations. Adjust your stand and the length of the swing (full, 3 quater, half swing). That is giving you a good feeling and the so important self-confidence for the game.

Diane | 5 years ago, at the end of September

I sweep everything in a U shape and my iron shots suffer because of it. If I just shortened the length of my swing with the irons, I would get even less distance. I just need to try to make more of a downward blow or V shape with them and I think my game will improve. Thank god for woods and hybrids because without them, I would never break 100!

gerry newby | 5 years ago, at the end of September

Irons - 150ish yds to pin- the V is the one! but don't aim at the ball, aim at the imaginary teepeg ( deep in the ground)about hall an inch in front and dig that XXXXXX out!! even the hardest of distance ball stop in their own pitch mark (allmost!)



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