A backwards shot in golf is a recovery shot for when your ball sits tight against a tree, wall or fence and you cannot take a normal stance. You stand with your back to the target, hold a short iron or wedge in one hand, and swing it like a pendulum to knock the ball behind you back into play. It is not a hero shot. The only goal is to get the ball somewhere playable without adding penalty strokes.
This guide explains when to use the backwards shot, how it compares with other options, step-by-step technique, the rules involved, how to practice it and the mistakes that turn one bad break into several.
When to use it
- The ball is tight against an obstacle on your normal side, so you cannot address it with a regular stance.
- A left-handed swing is impractical. Some golfers flip the club and hit left-handed, but that is harder for many players.
- An unplayable lie would leave you worse off. Taking relief costs a stroke and may not give you a better position.
- You only need to move the ball a short distance back to the fairway or open ground.
Your options when the ball is against an obstacle
| Option | Penalty | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Backwards one-handed shot | None | You can make solid contact and have open space behind you |
| Left-handed shot with an upside-down club | None | You have practiced it and have a clear swing path |
| Bank shot off the obstacle | None | Rarely advisable; the rebound is unpredictable and can be dangerous |
| Unplayable ball relief | One stroke | No safe or realistic swing is possible |
Under the Rules of Golf, declaring an unplayable ball costs one penalty stroke and gives you relief options: replaying from where the previous stroke was made, dropping back on a line from the hole through the ball, or dropping within two club-lengths no nearer the hole. If none of those gives you a better next shot than a safe backwards chip, the backwards shot can save a stroke.
Setup for a right-handed golfer
- Turn your back to the target. Stand so the ball is just to the right of your right foot, between you and the obstacle’s open side.
- Choose the club. A short iron or wedge gives the most control. Some players use a putter for very short escapes.
- Grip with one hand. Hold the club in your right hand only, low on the grip for control.
- Aim the face. The clubface should point back toward your target, behind you.
- Let the arm hang. Your arm should hang naturally with the clubhead resting behind the ball, on the side facing the target.
- Look at the ball. Turn your head to look down at the ball rather than at the target.
Making the swing
- Swing like a pendulum. Move the arm forward, away from the target, then back through the ball in a smooth arc.
- Keep the wrist firm. Avoid flicking the wrist, which causes mis-hits.
- Use a short backswing. The shot only needs to travel a short distance, so a compact swing gives better contact.
- Strike the back of the ball. Contact the ball first and let the loft lift it slightly.
- Follow through toward the target. Let the arm continue behind you in the direction of the target.
Expect the ball to travel roughly 10 to 40 yards depending on the club, the lie and how much swing you can make. Aim for the widest safe area rather than trying to gain distance.
The left-handed alternative
Many right-handed golfers prefer the left-handed option when the ball sits on the wrong side of an obstacle. Turn a short iron or wedge upside down so the toe points toward the ground, take a left-handed stance and grip, and make a short, controlled swing. Because the clubface is small when inverted, contact must be precise, so keep the swing compact and focus on the back of the ball. This shot can send the ball forward toward the green rather than backward, which sometimes makes it the better choice. Practice both techniques so you can pick the one that suits the situation.
Is it legal?
Yes. The Rules of Golf require that the ball be fairly struck with the head of the club, and any part of the clubhead can be used, including the back or toe. A one-handed swing is allowed, and there is no rule requiring you to face the target. What you must avoid is pushing, scraping or scooping the ball, and you must not improve your conditions by moving or bending branches or fixed objects beyond what is allowed while taking a fair stance.
How to practice it
- Start without an obstacle. On the practice area, hit short backwards shots from open ground to learn the feel.
- Use different clubs. Try a wedge, a short iron and a putter to see which gives you the best control.
- Practice both sides. Learn the backwards shot and the left-handed flipped-club shot so you have options.
- Aim at targets. Place a towel 20 yards behind you and try to land the ball near it.
Common mistakes
- Trying to hit it too far. A big swing with one hand usually leads to poor contact or a miss.
- Taking your eye off the ball. Looking back at the target during the swing causes mis-hits.
- Choosing too little loft. Low-lofted clubs are hard to control one-handed.
- Ignoring the rebound risk. Hitting toward the obstacle or at an angle to a tree can send the ball back at you, and being struck by your own ball is a hazard, not just a nuisance.
- Improving the lie illegally. Breaking branches or moving fixed objects to make room for the swing can cost a two-stroke penalty in stroke play.
- Never considering relief. Sometimes taking an unplayable lie is the smarter, safer choice.
Rulebook and safety note
The rules on striking the ball, improving conditions and taking unplayable ball relief are set by the R&A and USGA in the Rules of Golf, with local rules added by courses and competitions. Check the current rules and any local rules before playing. When hitting close to trees, walls or fences, make sure your swing path is clear, watch out for roots that could jar your wrist and never play toward a hard surface that could bounce the ball back at you or others. If the shot feels unsafe, take relief.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hit a golf ball with the back of the club?
Yes. The Rules of Golf allow the ball to be struck with any part of the clubhead, as long as it is fairly struck and not pushed, scraped or scooped.
Is a one-handed backwards shot legal in golf?
Yes. There is no rule requiring two hands or facing the target, so a one-handed backwards shot is allowed.
What is the penalty for an unplayable lie?
Taking relief for an unplayable ball costs one penalty stroke, with several relief options described in the Rules of Golf.
