Every player needs a "go to" shot, one that he or she can hit accurately under intense pressure. In Tiger Wood's case, it's his "stinger" or knockdown shot--a low bullet that cuts through the air. This type of shot is great on windy days. A knockdown shot works under all kinds of weather conditions, is conservative in nature, and highly controllable.
Here are five tips on hitting the stinger:
* Swing at a normal speed
* Start when parallel to the ground
* Turn the back of your hand down
* Relax your arms when you swing
* Keep the hands in front of the ball
The key to hitting a stinger is staying on plane with your swing. Swing at full speed and keep the hands in front of the ball, from address through impact. Your goal is to keep the ball low and under control, especially if you're playing into a headwind.
Use a one-piece takeaway for the shot. But start the club's release when the shaft is parallel to the ground. Turning your left hand (right hand for lefties) downward delofts the club. Also, try to keep your arms as relaxed as possible during the swing. Trying to "muscle" the ball results in a higher shot and more backspin, the opposite of what you want.
Players sometimes finish with the forward swing low and only half completed, and the wrists not fully released, as they would be in a normal shot. In addition, the follow-through should be a mirror image of one's backswing. If it is, it tells you that you've stayed on plane throughout the swing.
The knockdown shot travels low and rolls when it hits the ground, providing added distance if the ball is in the fairway. It's a great shot to know when the pressure is on because it's the ultimate control shot.
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