How to Hit Your Golf Ball High or Low (And When)

Playing golf well requires skill, and your skill level is mostly determined by how well you are able to control your ball.

For some golfers, a low ball comes naturally, whereas, for others, their default ball flight is high. Having the ability to hit either on demand is a skill you can master when enrolled at golf camp.

So, how do you control the flight of your golf ball? This is a complex question with multiple answers.

Here, we look closely at the factors that contribute to hitting a golf ball low or high and how to do either, as the game demands.

 

When Should You Hit High and When Low? (And How)

Being able to control the flight of your golf ball is a function of understanding the relationship between the clubface and the ball’s path. Balls are hit at an angle while you stand sideways to the hole. You won’t swing the club on a horizontal or vertical plane but an inclined one.

 

High Ball Flight

For one golfer, hitting the ball high may be normal. For another, it may be difficult to maintain. In general, if you have a fast swing speed, you will naturally hit the ball higher than golfers with a slower swing speed.

High-Ball-Flight

An amateur’s average launch angle with a driver is 9 degrees, so a high ball flight will be parallel to a shot with a higher-than-normal launching angle. This is, in fact, a good reference point to determine whether your natural ball flight is higher than average.

To find out your driver launch angle, get in touch with the professionals providing you with golf lessons in Burlington, Ontario.

Benefits of Hitting the Golf Ball High

If you can hit the golf ball high, it could be beneficial for your game.

  • ● A higher shot lets you hit the ball over a tree in case your shot was off-line or if trees are blocking your view of the hole.
  • ● If the fairway has firm greens, you have a better chance of stopping the ball on the green with a high shot.

 

Low Ball Flight

This is best when golfing in dry, windy conditions, as low-angle shots tend to have less spin than high-angle ones. Again, as discussed, a low-flight shot for one golfer may look absolutely different from that of another.

Low-Ball-Flight

Golfers with slow swing speeds usually have a naturally lower ball flight. However, those with an above-average swing speed can also compress the ball optimally which can, in turn, produce a low golf ball flight.

 

Benefits of Hitting the Golf Ball Low

Being able to hit the ball low is a handy skill to have in your golf bag!

  • ● If the green isn’t abutted by a penalty area or bunker, you could get your ball back into play by hitting it lower to get it onto the green.
  • ● During play in windy conditions, it’s advisable to hit the ball low. It will then have less spin, making it able to easily sail through wind.
  • ● Again, a low flight is handy while playing on a firm golf course. This will give you added run off the tee, with additional distance.

It takes a lot of practice to control the flight of your ball, but hitting it low or high doesn’t really require any alteration in your swing style. You can change the position of the ball simply by hitting it higher or lower, depending upon the shot type and weather conditions. One of the biggest mistakes amateur golfers make is trying to hit low or high without any driving range practice. It is vital to understand the changes you need to make to get the desired results during a match. So, don’t hesitate to seek out professional assistance by Googling ‘golf lessons near me. Mastering the height of your shots can be done if you practice.