How to Stop a Golf Ball Fast

By Timothy Bodamer
Stopping the ball with backspin is a key component of improving your golf score.
Stopping the ball with backspin is a key component of improving your golf score.

Being able to stop the ball on the green is a key part of lowering your golf scores. To do this, putting some backspin on the ball is important to get the ball close to the pin or stop on the green on an approach shot. The technique in creating spin is important to getting the ball to stop near the pin.

Step 1

Create an open stance.

Place your club flat on its sole directly behind the ball and your clubface is square to the target. Stand with your feet slightly less than your shoulder width. Your shot will allow your whole body to open up just left of the target.

Step 2

Create your shot setup. A good setup will allow you to get your ball airborne. Position your front foot parallel to the golf ball. Keep your feet open and keep your clubface open. Swing along your toe line to cut across the ball.

Step 3

Take a half swing. By doing this, you're controlling the ball more off of your club.

Keep your clubface open to allow for a straight shot. Your half swing provides more power than a chip shot but getting lift is important to stop the ball on the green.

Step 4

Pinch the shot. To create backspin, the ball should be placed between the clubface and ground. When you are descending on your follow through hit down the ball as your trying to bury it. When you come through the ball on take-through, you will create a spin that will will slow the ball on the green.

Step 5

Use a specially designed club to provide spin.

The lob wedge has an angle between 56 and 64 degrees that provides loft on impact, including spin to help slow the ball. This type of wedge possesses a higher angle than other wedges and can be used in bunkers or over an obstacle such as a tree or bush.

Stand with the ball in the middle of your stance to balance your weight. Hit it with a three-quarter swing on the downswing and full impact on the follow through to create acceleration and spin.

Step 6

Use the right golf ball. Balls like such as Titleist Pro V1, Nike One Tour and Callaway Tour offer the best spin rates to work in concert with the golfer's swing to help the golf ball stop on the green.

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