golfrewind.com

I have difficulty in executing shots on downhill lies. I almost always end up hitting the big ball (ground) first before I hit the little ball. Does anyone have any tips and/or drills so I can practice this type of shot? Thanks.

general rule of thumb for uphill downhill shots. place the ball closer to the higher foot. if it is a downhill lie then place it closer to the back foot, uphill closer to front foot. remember that downhill will deloft the club and ball flight, uphill will add loft. Also, dont panick, make the adjustments and be confident!

To add to this great advice for downhill shots to the target:

1. Downhill lies go right so aim left so the ball will work into the target.

2.. Your shoulder and hips must be parallel to the slant of the terrain (this feels strange but must be done).

3. Swing with the terrain (that is to swing down with the down hill).

4. Make sure you get your weight over to the front foot sooner than you would on flat ground (this is true for both uphill and downhill shots).

5. Feet closer than normal will allow your weight shift to happen easier, and do less harm to your body.

Note: There are also side hill down hill and side hill up hill shots that have other corrections that need to be made.

I know that when the ball is below my feet (side hill, down hill) the ball will go right, but how does it go right on a down hill lie?

one reason is that if you play the bal back in your stance your hands have not squared up yet

a trick i use to place the ball in the right place in my stance is -
with shoulders parallel to the slope pick a blade of grass and practice the actual swing you will use to strike the ball
if you take the blade of grass just right then its in the spot the ball needs to be . if not then adjust
another thing - if your 150yds out and normally hit a 6iron
change to a 7 or 8 iron depending on the slope
dont even try hitting a wood or long iron - better being 30 yrds short of the green than in the trees

Thanks for the advice everybody. I'll keep them in mind when I practice.

Any time you play the ball back in the stance (near the right foot for the right hander) the ball will spin away from you (right if right handed) because:

The path of the club from back foot to front is slightly arched. so the
club would be slightly open near the back foot, squares up through the
impact and closes as it gets near the front foot.

On a down hill to the target you must play the ball near the higher foot because the ground is higher, for example if you played the ball in the center on this lie you would plow into the higher ground behind the ball. This is why you need to play the ball back on this lie.