Rules: relief and dropping

Setup

1. Find a quiet spot near a cart path and a red penalty area, away from groups playing, or mark them out on a practice ground.
2. The coach places a ball in each situation before the group arrives.
3. No full swings in this session; if a dropped ball is played, use one hitting direction and keep everyone well behind the player.

How it runs

1. Station 1, cart path: free relief. Find the nearest point where the ball, stance and swing are clear of the path, no nearer the hole. Mark it with a tee.
2. Measure one club-length from that point, no nearer the hole, and mark the relief area with a second tee.
3. Drop the ball straight down from knee height so it lands in the relief area. It must come to rest in that area; if it rolls out, drop again, and if it rolls out a second time, place it where the second drop first touched the ground.
4. Station 2, red penalty area: say the choices aloud. Play it as it lies, or take relief for one penalty stroke: stroke and distance, back on a line from the hole through where it crossed the edge, or within two club-lengths of where it crossed the edge, no nearer the hole.
5. Station 3, unplayable ball in a bush: the player decides, and each option costs one penalty stroke: stroke and distance, back on a line from the hole through the ball, or within two club-lengths of the ball, no nearer the hole.
6. At each station, the coach asks one question, such as 'What changes if this area is yellow?' (no sideways option), and the group checks the local rules card.

Coaching points

• A club-length is your longest club other than the putter.
• Before lifting the ball, say what you are doing and mark its spot, so playing partners know.
• Drop, never throw, spin or place, unless the Rules say place; the ball must be dropped by the player.
• Know the difference: obstructions like paths usually give free relief; penalty areas and unplayable balls cost a stroke.
• Out of bounds or a lost ball is stroke and distance. Some courses use a local rule that allows a drop in the fairway area for two penalty strokes instead; check your club's local rules.
• Rules knowledge is good etiquette too: decide quickly to keep pace of play.

Common mistakes

• Dropping from shoulder height, the old way, instead of knee height.
• Measuring from the ball instead of from the nearest point of relief.
• Taking relief nearer the hole.
• Picking the nearest point of relief on the side that looks nicer rather than the side that is actually nearest.
• Forgetting to add the penalty stroke when taking relief from a penalty area.