How to Hit a Flop Shot: The Ultimate Guide

The flop shot is one of golf’s most spectacular shots, popularized by Phil Mickelson and other short-game wizards. While it may look intimidating, with proper technique and practice, you can add this versatile shot to your arsenal. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about executing the perfect flop shot.

Understanding the Flop Shot

A flop shot is a high-trajectory shot with minimal forward roll, designed to carry over hazards or obstacles and stop quickly on the green. It’s particularly useful when you:

• Have limited green to work with
• Need to clear a bunker or obstacle
• Want to stop the ball quickly
• Face tight pin positions

When to Use the Flop Shot

While impressive, the flop shot isn’t always the best choice. Consider it when:

1. You have a good lie in higher grass
2. There’s enough room for a full swing
3. You need maximum height with minimal roll
4. Standard chip or pitch shots won’t work

Essential Equipment and Setup

Club Selection

The most important tool for a successful flop shot is:

• A high-lofted wedge (58-64 degrees)
• Good bounce angle for the turf conditions
• Clean grooves for maximum spin

Ball Position

Proper ball position is crucial:

• Place the ball forward in your stance
• Align it with your lead heel
• Ensure the ball sits up cleanly in the grass
• Allow room for the club to slide under the ball

Stance and Setup

Your setup creates the foundation:

1. Open your stance significantly
2. Open the clubface for maximum loft
3. Widen your stance for stability
4. Lower your hands slightly

The Flop Shot Technique

Grip and Pressure

For optimal control:

• Use a slightly weaker grip
• Hold the club lightly (4-5 out of 10 pressure)
• Maintain consistent pressure throughout
• Feel the club’s weight in your fingers

The Backswing

Key elements include:

1. Make a fuller swing than a standard chip
2. Hinge your wrists early
3. Keep your arms relaxed
4. Maintain clubface orientation

Impact and Follow-Through

Critical aspects for success:

• Maintain clubhead speed through impact
• Keep the clubface open
• Allow your body to rotate through
• Follow through to a full finish

Step-by-Step Execution

1. Pre-Shot Routine

• Assess the lie and required trajectory
• Pick your landing spot
• Visualize the shot
• Make practice swings to feel the motion

2. Setup Position

• Open stance significantly
• Forward ball position
• Hands even or slightly back
• Weight favoring lead foot

3. The Swing

• Make a smooth takeaway
• Hinge wrists early
• Maintain speed through impact
• Complete follow-through

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake 1: Deceleration

Many golfers decelerate through impact, leading to chunked shots.

Solution:

• Focus on swing tempo
• Make a longer backswing
• Maintain speed through impact
• Trust the loft of the club

Mistake 2: Poor Weight Transfer

Staying back or shifting weight backward causes inconsistent contact.

Solution:

• Keep weight forward
• Feel steady through the shot
• Rotate body through impact
• Maintain spine angle

Mistake 3: Closing the Clubface

A closed face removes the club’s natural loft.

Solution:

• Start with more open face
• Feel the face staying open
• Focus on body rotation
• Trust the bounce

Practice Drills

1. Paper Drill

• Place a piece of paper under the ball
• Practice sliding the club under paper
• Focus on clean contact
• Develop proper attack angle

2. Hinge and Hold

• Practice early wrist hinge
• Maintain angle through impact
• Feel clubhead path
• Build consistency

3. Landing Spot Control

• Place targets on green
• Practice different distances
• Focus on trajectory control
• Build distance control

Advanced Techniques

Different Lies

Adjust for:

• Rough thickness
• Uphill/downhill lies
• Tight lies
• Wet conditions

Wind Adjustments

Consider:

1. Wind direction and strength
2. Shot trajectory modifications
3. Landing spot adjustments
4. Club selection changes

Building Confidence

Practice Progression

Start with:

1. Basic lies and short distances
2. Gradually increase difficulty
3. Add variables (slope, wind)
4. Practice under pressure

Course Management

Know when to:

• Attempt the flop shot
• Choose safer options
• Factor in risk/reward
• Trust your technique

Conclusion

The flop shot is a valuable addition to your short game arsenal. While it requires practice and commitment to master, the ability to execute this shot can save you strokes and get you out of difficult situations. Remember:

• Use appropriate equipment
• Master the fundamentals
• Practice regularly
• Choose your spots wisely

With dedicated practice and proper technique, you’ll develop the confidence to pull off this impressive shot when needed.