Back-handed Shot

photo credit: bgilliard   A players first reaction, when stymied by a tree, is to take a drop with a stroke penalty, or, right handed players will play the shot left-handed or vise-versa.  Next time try a back-hander, it’s much easier than most people think.

Use a lofted club such as a pitching wedge or a nine-iron, since a more straight-faced club sits more on the toe.  Use your right hand only to swing the club.  Play the ball just in front of your feet and strike the ball with a descending blow.  Your back must be perfectly square to the target line.

This shot is a pendulum action so it is important to keep your wrists firm.  Drop the blade crisply on the back of the ball.  Wrist break, if any, should occur on the follow-through, if at all.