Trajectory control: high and low

Setup

1. One hitting line with a clear gap between stations; nobody walks forward of the line until the coach says the range is clear.
2. Each player picks one flag they can reach comfortably with a mid iron and lays a stick along the feet.
3. Warm up and hit three normal (stock) shots to see the usual height and where they land.

How it runs

1. High: ball a little further forward, hands level with the ball or just behind, weight staying centred, and a full, high finish. Three balls.
2. Low: ball a little further back, hands ahead of the ball, a slightly shorter backswing and a low, held finish. Three balls.
3. Watch where each height lands and how far it runs: the high shot stops quickly, the low one lands short and rolls on.
4. Called heights: a partner calls high, stock or low before each ball. Score a point when the height matches the call and the ball finishes near the flag. Nine balls, then swap.

Coaching points

• Same club, same tempo: the setup and the finish change the height, not a harder swing.
• Hands ahead takes loft off; hands level adds it back. Keep the changes modest.
• Match the finish to the flight: high finish for high, short held finish for low.
• Pick where the ball should land, not just the flag, especially for the low shot.

Common mistakes

• Trying to lift the ball for the high shot, which leads to thin or heavy strikes.
• Moving the ball so far back for the low shot that it is struck with a steep chop.
• Swinging harder to hit it low, which adds spin and height.
• Forgetting that a low shot runs out, so it finishes long.