PRACTICE FOR MEDIUM-HANDICAP PLAYERS

If your handicap is medium, you need to get a handle on two key issues: do you know how to move the ball with spin and how well do you control your distances?

I have talked about high-handicap players and how important their long game is, especially because they have to regulate their fairway shots quite a lot.

Medium-handicap players have to work a lot on regulating their shots to the green and that means they need to work on shots with spin and distance – this is fundamental.

TIPS AND SHOTS TO WORK ON FOR MEDIUM-HANDICAPPERS

1. PRACTICE FOR FOUR DIFFERENT EFFECTS

Low ball:

A. Use an extra club, gripping it lower.

B. Short upswing and softer swing than usual.

High ball:

A. Use a more open club, gripping it higher up.

B. Longer upswing and accelerated swing at impact point.

Draw shots:

A. Place feet, hips and shoulders where you want your ball to leave.

B. Close the grip so your club is pointing at the target.

C. Swing in the direction you want your ball to travel.

Fade shots:

A. Place your feet, hips and shoulders where you want your ball to leave.

B. Open the grip so that your club is pointing at the target.

C. Swing in the direction you want your ball to travel.

2. DISTANCE CONTROL

Having control over distance makes it much easier to achieve better results. Knowing beforehand that the club you have in your hands is the right one for that shot gives you extra confidence that positively affects the execution of a good swing. There are two factors that influence this:

• Quality of impact

• Swing speed

1. Quality of Impact

Quality of impact is a factor that teachers can determine when we divide: Ball exit speed / Club speed.

It is complex but useful to know, as it has a direct influence on distances.

2. Swing Speed

This is part of the aforementioned division. For it to work…

Length of upswing and finish: always try to ensure that the upswing and finish of the swing are as similar as possible in length (avoid 100 per cent). Control and check club pitch: when working on distances, try to generate a similar impact. Therefore, avoid deep divots or clean shots. Only check those shots that are similar in impact.

Make several practice swings where your club brushes the ground: ensure a good feel with the practice swing, and never play the ball if your practice swing did not feel right. ■