Hitting the ball straight is great, but controlling its height is what lets you play in the wind, get over trees, hold firm greens and keep the ball under branches. Good golfers can hit the same club high, medium or low, choosing the flight that suits the shot. It sounds advanced, but the basic adjustments are simple and mostly happen at address, so you can keep your normal swing.
What controls trajectory?
The ball's launch angle depends mainly on the dynamic loft at impact: the loft of the club as it actually meets the ball. More loft means a higher launch; less loft means a lower one. Dynamic loft is affected by:
- Ball position: further back means more shaft lean and less loft.
- Hand position: hands ahead of the ball reduce loft.
- Angle of attack: a steeper strike reduces launch slightly.
- Club speed and spin: faster swings create more spin and height. Read golf ball spin explained.
How to hit it lower
| Adjustment | Low shot |
|---|---|
| Club | One or two clubs more |
| Grip | Down an inch |
| Ball position | One or two ball-widths back |
| Hands | Slightly ahead of the ball |
| Weight | Favouring the lead side |
| Swing | Three-quarter backswing, smooth tempo |
| Finish | Low and short, hands around shoulder height |
This is the knockdown or punch shot. Read how to play golf in the wind and golf trouble shots.
How to hit it higher
| Adjustment | High shot |
|---|---|
| Club | Same club or one less, or a more lofted club |
| Ball position | One ball-width forward |
| Hands | Level with the ball, not pressed forward |
| Weight | Balanced, with the spine tilted slightly away from the target |
| Swing | Full swing with a full release |
| Finish | High, with the hands finishing high |
Do not try to scoop the ball up; that leads to thin shots. Let the set-up add the loft. Read how to stop topping the ball.
With the driver
- Higher: tee the ball higher, position it further forward and tilt your spine away from the target to hit up on the ball.
- Lower: tee it slightly lower, ball a little further back, and make a smoother, shorter swing with a lower finish.
Read how to hit a driver.
Short game trajectories
- Low chip-and-run: less lofted club, ball back, hands forward. Read how to chip in golf.
- Medium pitch: sand wedge, ball centre.
- High lob: lob wedge, open face, ball forward. Read how to hit a lob shot.
When to use each flight
| Situation | Best flight |
|---|---|
| Into the wind | Low |
| Downwind | Higher, to ride the wind |
| Under branches | Low |
| Over trees | High |
| Firm green or back pin | Low and running |
| Soft green or front pin | High and soft |
| Elevated green | High |
| Links courses | Low, running shots. Read links vs parkland courses |
Practice plan
- Pick one club, such as a 7-iron.
- Hit five normal shots, noting the height and carry.
- Hit five low shots using the low set-up.
- Hit five high shots using the high set-up.
- Note the distances of each flight; low shots usually travel shorter in the air but run further.
- Mix them up randomly, as on the course.
Combine height with shape to build the "nine-shot" skill set. Read how to hit a draw and a fade and golf practice games.
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit the ball higher with irons?
Move the ball slightly forward, keep your hands level with the ball, make a full swing with a full release and a high finish. Don't try to lift the ball.
How do I keep the ball low in the wind?
Take one or two more clubs, grip down, move the ball back, keep your hands ahead and make a shorter, smoother swing with a low finish.
Why is my ball flight too low?
Common causes are the ball too far back, hands too far forward, too little loft, or a steep, chopping swing.
Why is my ball flight too high?
Often too much spin from a steep strike, the ball too far forward, scooping, or a club with too much loft.
The bottom line
Controlling trajectory is mostly about set-up: ball position, hand position, club choice and the length of your finish. Learn a low, a normal and a high version of a few clubs, practise them on the range and choose the right flight for the wind, the obstacles and the green. For more ways to manage your game, read golf course management.