Tackling sloping approaches

Far too many golfers become frustrated and nervous when they have to play a shot from a sloping lie. Negative thoughts take over - even if the target is a short iron away - and trusting to luck becomes the order of the day.

This lack of confidence stems from a hazy knowledge of the techniques needed to pull off an approach from a slope. An understanding of the different set-ups for the various lies is essential to your success.

Flight plan

For every shot you face from a slope - it could be an uphill, downhill, sidehill or combination lie-you must also know the shape of flight that's produced.

The flight varies markedly - low and slightly left to right from a downhill lie, or turning right to left when the ball is above your feet. Working out the flight path and setting up to compensate for it are the keys to accurate approaches.

A blend of a subtly changed setup and technique isn't enough -club selection is critical. Because the flights vary so much, you have to hit a different club from your normal choice for a certain distance. From the same yardage, the club you hit can vary by as much as four depending on the type and severity of slope.

On a steep down slope you can sometimes hit as little as a 9 iron even from a distance of 150yd (137m). But from an upslope you could play a 5 iron for the same length.

Finally, after taking time to plan your shot, play the stroke with authority. Have the conviction that your preparations and a smooth, balanced swing send the ball searing at the flag.

Beat the slopes

Downhill
From a downslope the ball flies low, slightly left to right and runs on landing. The steeper the slope and the longer the distance, the more the ball curves. Because of this flight, choose less club than the yardage suggests and aim left of the target. Put more weight than usual on your left side to move with the slope, and position the ball back in your stance. Both these moves ensure you strike the ball before the ground yet guard against the thin.

Upslope
The ball flies high and slightly right to left and stops quickly from an uphill lie. To compensate for this flight take more club than the yardage suggests and align and aim right of target. Your weight should favor your right side to counter the slope. Position the ball forward in your stance. This set-up helps you to swing along the slope and catch the ball crisply. If the ball's too far back you strike down and can stab the shot.

Sidehill - ball below feet
 As your plane naturally becomes more upright than normal when the ball is below your feet, the shot flies from left to right. You must align and aim left of target to compensate for this fading flight. When the slope is quite severe aim well left of your target - especially as the ball kicks right on landing. Because the ball fades you have to take more club than the yardage suggests. You may find that you have to stoop a little more than usual to reach the ball, but try not to become too crouched. Gripping at the end of the club helps keep your posture as normal as possible.

Ball above feet
When the ball is above your feet your swing naturally becomes flatter and the shot draws and runs to the left on landing. Because of this flight you have to aim well right of the target -especially off a steep slope - and take less club than the yardage suggests. It's important you judge the shot so that the ball pitches short and right of the target as the drawspin makes it difficult to stop the ball. Choke down the club to help keep your posture and swing as normal as possible.

1: Lean with the slope
Position the ball back in the stance and move your weight on to your left side to help a balanced swing.
 
2: Short to the top
Keep your backswing short so you don't overbalance. As you swing down resist moving your weight back on to the right side - stay on the left.

3: Follow the level
Swing into and through impact keeping the club close to the level of the slope. This ensures against the thin or top and leads you into a slightly crouched through swing position.

1: Forward placement
Move the ball forward in your stance and position more weight than usual on your right side to encourage a sweeping strike.
 
2: Stay balanced
Follow the line of the slope into and through impact and resist moving your weight on to the left side too soon. This action helps you to strike the ball crisply and avoid the stab.
 
3: Through control
 Lead through the stroke with the left hand to lessen the draw on the ball, and move on to your left side for a balanced finish.

1: Comfortable address
The key to this shot is to have a balanced and stable stance. Grip up the club and bend the knees to help you reach the ball. If it's well below your feet, try spreading your legs.

2: Steady head
 It's very important to keep your head perfectly level and still throughout the backswing, to help stay balanced and improve your chances of swinging down on the correct path.

3: Level attack
Attack the ball with your head steady and the same amount of flex in the knees as at address. This helps you avoid rising up and coming off the shot. If you don't, a thin or top is likely.