Downhill lies

[cdriver]

The shot I have the hardest time with is downhill lies. I have trouble hitting behind the ball. I have tried clubbing up to increase the loft and getting my shoulders parallel to the slope. But I think I am still dropping my back shoulder during the downswing causing me to hit it fat. Anyone have any suggestions I can try to help with this shot?

[iacas]

The shot I have the hardest time with is downhill lies. I have trouble hitting behind the ball. I have tried clubbing up to increase the loft and getting my shoulders parallel to the slope. But I think I am still dropping my back shoulder during the downswing causing me to hit it fat. Anyone have any suggestions I can try to help with this shot?

Where is the ball played in the stance? I usually take a stronger grip and play the ball back, then really try to make sure I get my weight back behind the ball on the backswing. It'll go through, you won't have to worry about that part.

Check the alignment, too. Lots of people aim right on downslopes, I've found.

[zebrasinamerica]

when you say you take a stronger grip what exactly do you mean? if you could explain this in a bit more depth that would be outstanding as I struggle with this shot as well, also if you wouldn't mind to describe what you do on an uphill lie that would be great.

Zebra

[iacas]

when you say you take a stronger grip what exactly do you mean? if you could explain this in a bit more depth that would be outstanding as I struggle with this shot as well, also if you wouldn't mind to describe what you do on an uphill lie that would be great.

Stronger = turn your hands to the right (for a right-handed golfer). Helps to close the clubface. Since the ball is back in your stance, you want to close it a little earlier.

Grip pressure should remain the same. "Stronger" is not the same as "Tighter" in this case.

[cdriver]

Where is the ball played in the stance? I usually take a stronger grip and play the ball back, then really try to make sure I get my weight back behind the ball on the backswing. It'll go through, you won't have to worry about that part.

Good advice about moving the ball back. I hadn't thought of that. I will have to try it this afternoon. We have one par 5 that the second shot is always from a pretty severe downhill lie unless you just crush the ball.

[zebrasinamerica]

thanks, thats what i was thinking i just wanted to clarify, i've been out of the game for quite some time so these little technical things are the last to come back.

ZEBRA

[gas_can]

The shot I have the hardest time with is downhill lies. I have trouble hitting behind the ball. I have tried clubbing up to increase the loft and getting my shoulders parallel to the slope. But I think I am still dropping my back shoulder during the downswing causing me to hit it fat. Anyone have any suggestions I can try to help with this shot?

cdriver,

I used to have the same problem. It sounds to me like you're either not fully matching your shoulders to the downhill slope, or you're not trusting the fact that the club will come through and are trying to compensate and lift the ball in the air. One good drill which helped me is actually walking through down the slope after your follow through, that will make sure you're not hanging back. Do you practice this shot? You're doing everything right, just trust it.