A knockdown shot is a type of golf shot that is designed to travel lower and with less backspin than a standard shot.
It’s a low-flying, controlled golf shot that helps players combat the elements and tackle difficult course situations.
A knockdown golf shot has a lower trajectory and a more controlled flight path.
Golfers use them when they want to keep the ball under the wind, avoid obstacles, or maintain better control over the ball’s distance and roll.
Whether they realize it or not, every golfer has hit a shot similar to a knockdown shot- the punch shot.
Many an amateur golfer has found themselves in the woods with no other option but to play a very low shot back out towards the fairway. To do this, most players will play the ball back in their stance, narrow their stance, and use a very short backswing and follow through.
As you’ll see later in this article, there are many similarities between the two shots.
When to Use a Knockdown Shot
There are several situations in which a knockdown shot can prove useful on the golf course:
Windy conditions
- When playing in strong winds, a knockdown shot can help keep the ball low and under the wind, making it less susceptible to being blown off course.
Obstacle avoidance
- If there’s a tree or other obstacle in your path, a knockdown shot (punch shot) can be used to navigate underneath it while still achieving the desired distance.
Tight pin locations
- When the pin is placed close to the edge of the green, or near a hazard, a knockdown shot can offer better control over distance and roll, allowing you to land the ball closer to the pin with less risk.
Firm greens
- On firm greens, a knockdown shot can help control the amount of backspin and roll, making it easier to hold the green. With a knockdown shot, there’s no worry of the ball hitting pin high and spinning back off the green.
High-pressure situations
- Many pro golfers will use a knockdown shot when the pressure is high because it gives them more control and is easier to hit consistently than a normal shot.
How to Hit a Knockdown Shot
Executing a successful knockdown shot requires a combination of proper setup, swing adjustments, and club selection.
Here are some specific tips on how to hit a knockdown shot:
Club selection
- You have two choices here:
- Use the same club you would use for a normal shot of this distance BUT play the ball back in your stance (effectively delofting the club)
- Choose a club with less loft than you typically would, and swing nice and smooth. For example, if you would typically use a pitching wedge, consider using a 9-iron for a knockdown shot. (I recommend this option)
Ball position
- Place the ball slightly back in your stance, closer to your back foot. This will help to deloft the club and produce a lower ball flight.
Narrow stance
- Narrow your stance slightly, which will help to limit hip rotation and maintain a more compact swing.
Weight distribution
- Shift more of your weight to your front foot, approximately 60-70%. This will help ensure a solid strike that gets ball first.
Grip
- Choke down on the club by gripping it closer to the shaft, particularly if you choose to use a lower lofted club. This will give you more control over the shot.
Swing adjustments
- Shorten your backswing and focus on keeping your hands low throughout the swing. This will help to reduce the amount of loft and spin on the ball. It’s imperative that your hands are ahead of the ball at impact. This will ensure that you “cover the ball” and help keep the trajectory of the shot low.
Follow-through
- Finish with a shorter follow-through with your hands lower than usual. This will help maintain control and promote a lower ball flight.
The knockdown shot is a valuable tool in any golfer’s arsenal, offering a level of control and versatility that can be critical in certain situations.
By understanding what a knockdown shot is, how to execute one, and when to use it, golfers can better navigate challenging conditions and obstacles on the course, ultimately improving their overall game.
Knockdown Shot Vs. Punch Shot: What’s The Difference?
The punch shot and the knockdown shot are both valuable golf techniques that allow players to maintain control and accuracy in challenging conditions. However, there are subtle differences between the two shots that make them suited for different situations on the course.
A punch shot is primarily used to keep the ball low and minimize its exposure to external factors, such as strong winds or low-hanging branches.
It is characterized by a lower trajectory and more controlled ball flight, often executed with a mid to long iron.
On the other hand, a knockdown shot is intended to produce a lower-than-normal trajectory with a specific club, often a short iron or wedge.
The knockdown shot is useful for approach shots to the green, where players need to control the height and spin of the ball to manage the roll and stop it near the pin.
Both shots require a shorter, more compact swing, with the hands leading the clubhead through impact.
While the punch shot focuses on keeping the ball low and controlled, the knockdown shot is more about adjusting the trajectory and spin of the ball for precision and control around the greens.