Putting Backspin on Your Balls

Landing the ball in the middle of the green right nextunderneath the ball. Then follow through by taking a
to the flag only to have it run of the back of thelong but shallow divot. It is like you are scooping up
green is so frustrating and can distract you fromthe ground. Now continue through as normal.
your game. The way around this is to put back spinSome other important points are that you need to
on the ball. Be aware though this is very challengingkeep the grooves on your club face clean. These are
and should only really be attempted by players with aessentially what provide the contact with the ball and
handicap under 20.will give it spin so clean contact is needed here. Clean
The basis of the shot is actually very simple, butcontact is needed all throughout the shot. If you
pulling it off in rhythm and gaining the desiredmake even the slightest of errors when striking the
outcome is very difficult. Start of with your stance.ball the shot will not go where you want it. This shot
Have your feet slightly closer together than usual.requires a lot of delicacy and poise, which is why it is
Also position the ball around your back foot. This willso hard and generally considered impossible for numb
help you get right underneath the ball, to create thatbeginners. If you are a beginner reading this do not
kick and spin you need to pull of this shot. Next yourbe disheartened.
grip. You may want to choke the club a little, that isJust because this shot is considered too hard for
to position your hands further down the grip thanbeginners does not mean you should not have a go
normal. Your grip should just be normal, but should beat it on the practice ground. You may just have the
solid, as keeping the club steady is extremelytouch and feel needed when playing this shot.The
important.type of ball used will help here as well. A soft ball,
For this shot, you need to use a club with enoughoften with spin written on the side of them, will be
loft to obtain the desired result. A flop wedge, lobmuch easier to apply spin to, than a hard ball, which is
wedge, a high degree wedge(60 and over) are alldesign for distance. Ask your pro for help when
acceptable. Sand wedges and pitch wedges can bechoosing a suitable ball. As a side note, spin is easier
used but require more skill to put the spin on the ball.to play on higher trajectory shots, such as approach
Now for your swing. When swinging the club, youor pitch shots, but it can be played on your longer
should keep it closer to your body than usual. Oneshots. Finally this shot does require practice. Spend
good way of thinking about this is swinging on asome of you time on the driving range applying spin
steeper plain. Swing back to normal height thento your shots. Start with your high irons and
consider your follow through. Aim to hit the ball justeventually, you may be able to hit lower irons with
before it is in contact with ground. You need toback spin as well.
focus on getting it up in the air by getting the club