Short Game · Lesson
Flop Shot Basics
Part of our short game programs for high, soft shots. Build a program with it
A flop sends the ball high and drops it softly. Use it when you have very little green. Open the face first, then take your grip. Widen your stance. Play the ball forward. Lower your hands a little and stay centered. Make a long, smooth swing that slides under the ball. Keep accelerating. Finish high with the face still pointing up. It's risky, so practice it before you need it.
Step by step
- Open the face, then grip.
- Wide stance, ball forward.
- Hands a bit lower, body centered.
- Long swing that accelerates under the ball.
- Finish high, face up.
Why it works
Opening the face adds loft, so the ball launches high and lands with little roll. Sliding the club under the ball with the bounce lets the sole glide through the grass instead of digging. A long, accelerating swing gives you the speed for the carry while the extra loft keeps the ball from flying far.
Common mistakes
- You grip first and then open the face, so the face closes back to square at impact.Open the face first, then take your grip so the open face stays set.
- You slow down through impact because the swing feels big.Keep accelerating through the ball and let the long swing and the loft control the distance.
- You lean back or shift your weight toward your trail foot to help the ball up.Stay centered and let the open face provide the height.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball launches high and lands softly with very little roll.
- The club brushes the grass under the ball and leaves a shallow divot, with no thin or fat contact.
- You finish high with the face still pointing up toward the sky.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice from a good fluffy lie on grass with plenty of room, and use a ball sitting up on the surface.
Harder: Hit the shot from a tighter lie or over a bunker to a target with very little green to work with.
Common questions
When should I hit a flop shot?
Use it when you have very little green between you and the hole and need the ball to land softly. It is risky, so choose a simpler shot if you have room to run the ball.
Why do I keep blading or chunking my flop shot?
Most often you slow down at impact or your weight moves back, which changes the low point of the swing. Stay centered, keep accelerating, and slide the club under the ball.
