How do you hit a "flop and stop" shot in golf?
Surprisingly, hitting a “flop and stop” shot in golf is one of the most difficult and impressive shots to master. When your ball is in the rough or you need to get it over a hazard and stop it quickly on the green, this shot can save your score.
The key to executing this shot is to open your club face and swing aggressively to get the ball high in the air, with plenty of backspin to make it stop on the green. Positioning your hands slightly ahead of the ball will also help to ensure a clean contact and help the ball pop up in the air. In my blog post, I will walk you through the steps to successfully hit a “flop and stop” shot.
The Fundamentals of the Flop Shot
For any golfer looking to perfect their flop shot, it is essential to understand the basics of this challenging yet rewarding technique.
Stance and Posture
When it comes to executing a successful flop shot, your stance and posture play a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome. I always ensure that my stance is wide and open, with my feet aligned to the target. This helps me create a solid base and maintain balance throughout the shot.
Additionally, I keep my posture slightly more upright than usual to promote a steeper angle of attack, which is essential for generating the necessary height and soft landing of the ball.
Club Selection and Ball Position
Selecting the right club and positioning the ball correctly are key factors in mastering the flop shot. I highly recommend using a lob wedge for this type of shot, as it provides the loft and spin needed to stop the ball quickly on the green. As for ball position, I ensure that it is slightly forward in my stance, just ahead of the center. This allows me to make clean contact with the ball and execute a high, soft landing shot.
By focusing on these fundamental aspects of the flop shot, you can develop a solid foundation for mastering this challenging yet valuable technique in your golf game. Remember to maintain a wide and open stance, adjust your posture for a steeper angle of attack, choose the right club, and position the ball correctly. With practice and dedication, you can become proficient in hitting “flop and stop” shots that impress your fellow golfers and improve your overall game.
Mastering the Technique
Some golfers find hitting a “flop and stop” shot to be one of the most challenging tasks on the course. However, with the right technique and practice, it can become a valuable addition to your golf game. In this chapter, I will share with you the key elements of mastering the flop and stop shot, including swing mechanics and controlling distance and trajectory.
Swing Mechanics for Flop Shots
When it comes to executing a successful flop shot, the right swing mechanics are crucial. To start, open your stance and clubface, allowing for a higher launch angle and increased loft. As you swing, focus on maintaining a gentle, shallow angle of attack to help the ball pop up and land softly on the green. Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead at impact to ensure a clean, crisp strike. Remember to maintain a smooth and fluid motion throughout the swing, rather than trying to power through the shot.
Controlling Distance and Trajectory
Controlling the distance and trajectory of your flop shot requires a delicate touch and finesse. When faced with a short-sided pin or a tight lie, it’s essential to have the ability to land the ball softly and stop it quickly. To achieve this, I recommend using a high-lofted wedge and opening the clubface even more to increase the loft and launch angle. Additionally, adjusting the length and speed of your backswing and follow-through can help you fine-tune the distance and trajectory of your flop shots. Focus on the tempo and rhythm of your swing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Course Strategy and Execution
Lastly, let’s talk about how to strategically use and successfully execute the flop and stop shot on the golf course. This shot can be a game-changer, but it requires careful consideration and precise execution. Here’s how to approach it:
When to Use the Flop Shot
When you find yourself short-sided with a pin located close to the edge of the green, or when there are obstacles such as a bunker or water hazard between you and the pin, the flop shot can be your best option. It allows you to stop the ball quickly and land softly on the green, minimizing the risk of overshooting the target.
Assessing the Green and Lie Conditions
Before attempting a flop shot, it’s crucial to carefully assess the green and lie conditions. Look for firm, dry greens that will allow the ball to stop quickly upon landing. Additionally, analyze the lie of the ball – a clean lie with minimal grass or interference is necessary for a successful flop shot. You’ll also want to consider the wind direction and wind speed, as they can greatly affect the trajectory and control of the shot. Proper assessment of these factors will greatly increase your chances of executing a successful flop and stop shot.
Advanced Tips and Drills
Despite the difficulty of the flop and stop shot, there are several advanced tips and drills that can help improve your technique. Here are some effective strategies to master this challenging shot:
- Ball Position: Proper ball position is crucial for a successful flop shot. Experiment with various ball positions in your stance to find the optimal spot for achieving maximum loft and control.
- Use of Wrist: The use of wrist action is essential in executing a flop shot. Practice hinging and unhinging your wrists to generate the necessary height and spin on the ball.
- Visualize the Landing Area: Before hitting the shot, visualize where you want the ball to land and how it will react upon landing. This mental imagery can help you execute the shot with precision.
Practicing the Flop Shot
To improve your flop shot, I recommend setting up a practice area with various obstacles and different landing areas. This will allow you to simulate real course conditions and develop the necessary feel and touch required for successful flop shots.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake in executing a flop shot is decelerating through the ball, which can result in fat or thin shots. To avoid this, focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent acceleration through impact. Additionally, ensure that your clubface remains open throughout the swing to achieve the desired loft and spin on the ball.
Conclusion
Taking this into account, hitting a “flop and stop” shot in golf requires a precise execution of technique and understanding of the conditions. By opening up the club face, swinging with finesse and creating a steep angle of attack, you can achieve the desired high, soft landing that will result in the ball stopping quickly upon impact with the green. With practice and patience, mastering the “flop and stop” shot can greatly enhance your short game and overall performance on the course.
