Throw Away Your Side Hill Method

Have you ever faced a shot with the ball below your feet and struggled to get consistent results? Many golfers find this lie challenging, often sending the ball curving wildly to the right or overcompensating in ways that lead to erratic shots. In this post, we’ll break down why this happens and provide practical tips to help you confidently execute shots from a ball-below-feet lie.

Why the Ball Below Your Feet Is So Tricky

When the ball is below your feet, the mechanics of your swing change in subtle but significant ways. Here’s why it happens:

Clubface Alignment: As you address the ball with the handle lifted to compensate for the slope, the clubface naturally points slightly to the right. This setup alone influences where the ball will start its flight.

Swing Mechanics: The slope forces golfers to adjust their posture and balance, often leading to more arm lift and less body rotation in the backswing. This can result in a steep downswing, an over-the-top motion, and inconsistent contact.

Balance and Posture Challenges: The uneven terrain makes it harder to maintain a steady posture throughout the swing, which is critical for striking the ball cleanly.

Understanding these challenges is the first step to overcoming them.

Key Adjustments for a Ball-Below-Feet Lie

To improve your execution from this tricky position, follow these essential tips:

1. Understand the Natural Shot Shape

The slope will naturally cause the ball to fade or push to the right. Rather than fighting this, adjust your aim slightly left of your intended target to account for the curve.

2. Maintain Good Posture

Staying balanced is crucial. Bend a little more from your hips to maintain your posture, even if it feels slightly awkward. A shorter, controlled swing will help you stay steady and improve your chances of solid contact.

3. Rehearse on the Lie

Take practice swings on the same slope where you’ll hit the shot. This helps your body adjust to the balance and motion required for the specific lie. Avoid practicing on a flat surface before addressing the ball.

4. Adjust Club Selection and Ball Position

Consider using a club with more loft, as the slope may reduce your ability to get the ball airborne. Position the ball slightly farther back in your stance to help you strike it cleanly.

Drills to Master the Ball-Below-Feet Lie

The Posture Practice Drill

• Setup: On a slope with the ball below your feet, address the ball with your usual stance.
  
  
• Execution: Focus on maintaining a steady posture as you swing. Keep your weight balanced and avoid excessive movement up or down.
  
  
• Goal: Feel your body staying centered and your club brushing the ground consistently.
  
  

Alignment Rehearsal Drill

• Setup: Stand behind the ball and pick an intermediate target slightly left of your actual target.
  
  
• Execution: Take a practice swing while aiming toward your adjusted line. Visualize the fade or push shot as part of your setup routine.
  
  
• Goal: Build confidence in your adjusted aim and understand how the slope influences your ball flight.
  
  

Putting It All Together

• Facing a ball-below-feet lie doesn’t have to mean losing strokes. By understanding the natural challenges of this shot and adjusting your alignment, posture, and preparation, you can turn a tricky lie into a manageable one.
  
  

Next time you encounter this situation, remember these tips:

- Adjust your aim slightly left.

- Maintain good posture throughout the swing.

- Use practice swings to calibrate your body for the slope.

With a little preparation, you’ll be able to execute these shots with consistency and confidence.