Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pick a target out in the range. First, attempt a high shot: play the ball forward in your stance (closer to your lead foot), make a full backswing, and release your wrists upward in the follow-through. Try to finish high, which should send the ball higher than normal.
Next, attempt a low shot: play the ball back in your stance (closer to your trailing foot), use a slightly abbreviated backswing, and feel like you 'cover' the ball with your chest through impact. Finish with hands low; the ball should fly lower than usual.
Alternate between high and low shots with the same iron. Pay attention to how adjusting ball position, swing length, and follow-through height changes the ball flight.
Over time, try to hit medium-height shots as well. This teaches you to modulate trajectory at will (low, medium, high), which is an advanced skill for attacking various pin locations or dealing with wind.
Professional Endorsement
Top players like Jack Nicklaus and modern pros like Justin Thomas train to hit shots on different trajectories. Jack often said a golfer should "hit it high or low on command"; drills like this are how they achieve that level of control.