Strategy

How to

By Top 25 Coach Paul Foston

play the fl

1Some times the flop shot is your only option to get the ball close, especially if you’ve short-sided yourself. I take a ‘stance of intent’ and flare my left foot, which will help me get the centre of mass into the left side. My knees are 25 per cent more flexed to really help anchor the lower body. The ball position is just inside the left heel to encourage you to deliver maximum loft at impact.

66 2 Set your wrists immediately in the backswing and get the butt of the grip pointing at the ground. I’m not swaying back in order to help get the ball in the air. When you do that, and the weight goes back, it can lead to thin shots. Remember, you need to stay committed to the shot.

fl op shot

Shot on location at La Cala Resort, Spain

3Notice how the clubhead overtakes the ball. My upper body is going to turn hard through the shot. It’s important to keep the speed up through the impact area as this is going to send the ball up. It’s height you need in order to carry what’s in front of you and to land the ball softly – like a butterfly with sore feet.

4The right hand is dominant and it helps create the ‘U-shaped’ swing. The whole shot is almost like a throwing action. There’s a lot of rotation and I follow through facing the target with the grip pointing down at the ground.