Wind play and knockdowns

Setup

1. Best on a breezy day. Check the range: strong wind can carry balls sideways, so leave extra room between hitting stations and keep everyone on one line, nobody forward of it.
2. Each player picks a flag and checks the wind direction by watching the flag or tossing a little grass.
3. Warm up with a few stock shots first.

How it runs

1. Into the wind: hit three full-swing shots with the club that normally reaches the flag. Note how high they climb and where they land.
2. Knockdown: take one or two more clubs, grip down a little, ball slightly back, hands ahead, and make a smooth, three-quarter swing with a low, held finish. Three balls to the same flag.
3. Compare the two: the full swing usually climbs and drops short; the knockdown stays lower and holds its line.
4. Crosswind: with the wind blowing across, aim off into the wind and let it carry the ball back to the flag. Three balls.
5. Downwind (if the wind allows): take less club and expect the ball to land lower and run further.

Coaching points

• Swing easier when it's breezy: a harder swing adds spin, and spin makes the ball climb into the wind.
• More club, less swing. Trust the extra club to do the work.
• Keep the finish short and balanced; a big finish usually means a high flight.
• On the course, wind also matters on putts and short shots when it is strong. Commit to a choice and play it.

Common mistakes

• Taking the usual club and swinging harder into the wind.
• Ball so far back that the strike becomes a steep chop.
• Aiming at the flag in a crosswind and watching the ball blow off the side of the green.
• Forgetting that downwind shots land with less spin and run on.