The Secret Keys To Create Spin From Your Wedge



Posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2009

by Will Hunter

Sometimes you come across a shot during a game of golf where you really want to stop the ball and bring it back toward the cup. Perhaps there is a bunker ahead of the hole or a steep bank. Adding spin to your wedge shots will help you avoid these deadly traps and give you more confidence to attack those difficult pin positions. Read on to find out the simple steps you can take to create a great spin shot.

Creating spin is very much to do with utilizing the grooves on the clubface. The ball needs to scrunch into these grooves and then pop out - if you've ever wondered what the grooves are for now you know. If there was a smooth face there is little chance that you could create any more spin than would naturally occur from your angle of attack. To ensure you get full use of this feature on your golf clubs and particularly the wedge make sure that the club face is clean before you go out and play. Any debris left over from previous rounds will dampen the groove effect. You can purchase special brushes from your pro shop.

The golf ball you use can have a significant effect on the amount of spin you can produce. Again, we are looking at the science of it all here. For the ball to compress into the clubface and make use of those grooves it needs to be slightly softer. There are many types of golf ball on the market and you generally have a straight choice between hard and soft. Hard allows more distance and soft gives you greater control. For the pros a softer ball is preferable because they know they can blast the ball far anyway. In any case an old worn out ball or one of poor quality will severely reduce your chances of creating spin. Look for a good ball and if in doubt ask in your pro shop for good quality softer balls. But beware - if you naturally have a very quick swing then you may end up spinning the ball too much if you opt for softer balls.

The actual swing requires a steeper approach and hitting the ball before you hit the ground. It is at this moment on impact where you are really scrunchng the ball into the clubface and ground ready for it to pop out as you swing through. Have a slightly open stance and set up with your hands ahead of the ball. The ball should be no further than the middle of your stance and moving it back may be even more beneficial as you want to be coming in at a steeper angle than usual. Ensure that your weight is over your front foot and your upper body is leanng slightly toward the target.

If you don't have a very quick swing try and up your normal tempo. Don't force the issue as you could end up topping the ball but a quicker spin will really increase the rotation of the ball in the air. It is this level of rotation that will determine how much the ball sticks when it finally hits the surface of the green and if there will be any movement backwards.

As you swing through the ball bring the whole of your body round - this technique is not all arms. This exaggerated effect helps increase the swing speed into the ball which is what you want.

Finally, observe how the greens are. The fact is that if the greens are very soft then you will not get too much spin on the ball. A more forgiving surface will just suck up all of the momentum. Much harder surfaces will not do this and you will have a greater probability of moving the golf ball once it gets to the green.

Spinning the ball is not as mystical as it may seem. It has a bit to do with equipment and maintenance, a bit to do with conditions and a bit more to do with your set up to the ball. Keep it simple and you will see the rewards when a pin is tucked in a tight corner and you really want to attack it.
 
Michael Lewis has spent many years trying to crack the game of golf. After spending a fortune on lessons and golf products he has discovered the best resources and tips that anyone can easily learn. For simple information at no cost CLICK HERE
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