Different ways to hit hybrids

Two fairway wood blows: try them, they might yet help improve your scores.

TWO common questions when it comes to a hybrid: Do you sweep it away like a fairway wood, or compress

it with a downward strike like an iron?

The answer is both. It just depends on the situation and the shot you want to create.

With a sweeping shot with a shallower angle of attack you can launch the ball lower with less spin so it will run out more. This is ideal off the tee or in strong winds.

Executing it with a steeper angle of attack will compress the ball more at impact and create more spin, so it lands softly and stops quickly.

This is ideal for approach shots into greens.

You can achieve these different shots by simply changing the position of the ball in your stance, which naturally alters your angle of attack at impact.

 

1. Sweep shot

The hands are only slightly ahead of the clubhead into impact and the shallow attack angle sweeps the ball off the turf, or low tee, with little or no divot. This creates a ball flight with more roll, perfect for attacking greens.

2. Consistent hands

The hands should be positioned on the inside of the left thigh for both set ups, which creates different shaft leans and angles of attack into impact.

3. Ball position

The ball should be just inside the left heel or in the centre for a more descending strike like an iron, or slightly forward of centre to encourage a sweeping blow.

4. Descending blow

The hands are well ahead of the clubhead into impact, causing a steeper attack angle. The ball is contacted before the clubhead takes a divot.