High shots
The Fundamentals of High Shots
Learn the setup, swing shape, and contact conditions that help the ball launch higher without turning the swing into a scoop.
What creates height
High shots come from a blend of loft, speed, strike, and spin. You don’t help the ball up by leaning back and flipping your wrists; the club already has loft built in. Your job is to deliver that loft with enough speed and clean contact for the ball to climb.
With a wedge, that might mean a slightly more open face and a committed finish. With a 7-iron, it usually means centered contact and a full release through the ball.
Setup keys
Start with simple changes before you rebuild the swing:
- Ball position a touch forward of normal.
- Chest staying tall through impact.
- Grip pressure light enough to let the clubhead release.
- Finish high and balanced.
The ball should feel like it rides up the face, not like you lifted it with your hands.
The swing feel
Think wide and smooth. A narrow, jabby motion often produces low, spinny contact or a thin strike. Let the backswing turn fully, keep the rhythm even, and swing to a finish where the club exits high over your lead shoulder.
Coach’s tip: If you’re trying to hit it higher, add commitment before you add manipulation.
Where to use it
A high shot is useful when you need carry and stopping power: a front bunker, a tucked pin over a ridge, or a firm green where a low runner won’t hold. It is not always the percentage play in wind or from a bare lie.
Quick recap
Height is a product of good launch conditions, not a last-second rescue move. Use enough loft, strike the ball cleanly, and finish as if the shot has somewhere to climb.