A flop shot sends the ball high into the air and lands it softly with very little roll. To hit one, open the face of your lob wedge wide before you take your grip, set up with a wide, open stance and the ball forward in your stance, then make a long, smooth, accelerating swing that slides the sole of the club under the ball. Keep your hands relatively low through impact and let the open face and bounce do the work. The flop is one of the riskiest shots in golf, so use it only when you are short-sided with an obstacle to carry and a fluffy lie, and choose a simpler chip or pitch whenever one will do.
What makes the flop shot different
Most short-game shots aim to get the ball rolling as early as possible. The flop does the opposite: it uses a lot of effective loft to launch the ball steeply so it lands softly and stops quickly. That requires a big swing for a short distance, which is why the shot feels unusual and carries risk. If the club strikes the ball’s equator instead of sliding under it, the ball can shoot across the green at high speed. Understanding the setup and practicing the motion makes the shot far more reliable.
Flop shot technique
| Element | Key point |
|---|---|
| Club | Lob wedge, typically about 58 to 64 degrees, or an open sand wedge |
| Clubface | Open wide first, then take your grip |
| Stance | Wide and open, knees flexed, body aimed left of target for right-handers |
| Ball position | Forward, around the lead heel |
| Weight | Fairly even, or slightly toward the lead side |
| Swing | Long, smooth and accelerating along the body line |
| Hands | Stay low; avoid leaning the shaft forward |
| Contact | Slide the sole under the ball |
How to hit a flop shot step by step
- Check the lie. You need grass under the ball; a fluffy lie in light rough is ideal.
- Open the clubface wide so it points to the sky, then take your normal grip.
- Set up with a wide, open stance, aiming your feet and body left of target for right-handers.
- Place the ball forward near your lead heel.
- Flex your knees and lower your hands slightly for a lower, stable base.
- Make a long backswing with an early wrist hinge.
- Accelerate through the ball, swinging along your body line.
- Slide the club under the ball without flipping your wrists.
- Finish with the clubface still pointing up toward the sky.
When to use a flop shot
The flop shot is a specialty tool. It works best when you are short-sided, meaning the ball is close to the edge of the green on the side where the hole is cut, so there is very little green to land on. It also helps when you need to carry a bunker, deep rough or a mound and stop the ball quickly. Firm, fast greens can make it even more valuable, since a lower shot would run past the hole.
| Use a flop when | Avoid a flop when |
|---|---|
| Short-sided with little green to work with | The lie is tight, bare or firm |
| A bunker or rough must be carried | A simple chip or pitch would work |
| The ball sits up on fluffy grass | You are under pressure without practice |
| Greens are firm and fast | The ball sits down deep in heavy rough |
Why the lie matters so much
The flop depends on the club sliding under the ball. When there is a cushion of grass beneath the ball, the bounce of the wedge can glide through the grass and pop the ball up. On a tight or bare lie, there is no cushion, so the leading edge is likely to strike the middle of the ball, sending it flying low and fast. On a very deep lie, the grass can grab the club and stop it. Always check the lie carefully before committing to a flop shot, and choose a different shot if the conditions are not right.
Choosing the right wedge for flops
Most golfers use a lob wedge for flop shots because its high loft makes it easier to launch the ball steeply. However, the bounce and sole grind matter as much as loft. A wedge with enough bounce and some relief around the heel lets you open the face without the leading edge rising too high off the ground, which makes contact more forgiving. If your lob wedge has very low bounce, you may find an open sand wedge easier to use from fluffy lies. Try both on the practice green to see which gives you more consistent results, and consider getting your wedges checked by a fitter if you use flop shots often.
Controlling distance on flop shots
Because the flop uses a big swing for a short distance, distance control can feel tricky. Keep your tempo smooth and let the length of the swing, not its speed, control distance. A more open face adds height and reduces distance, while a slightly less open face gives a lower, longer shot. Practice several lengths on a practice green with a fluffy lie until you know roughly how far each swing sends the ball. Avoid trying to hit the ball softly with a short, slow swing, which often leads to deceleration and poor contact.
Alternatives to the flop shot
Many situations that tempt golfers into a flop shot can be handled more safely. A standard pitch with a sand wedge may carry the obstacle with less risk. If you are short-sided, playing to a wider part of the green and accepting a longer putt can prevent a disaster. From the fringe or short grass, a chip or putt is often the smartest option. Save the flop for situations where it is truly the best choice and you have practiced it.
Practice drills
- Towel carry drill: Place a towel a few feet in front of you and practice flopping the ball over it, landing it softly beyond.
- Face check drill: After each shot, check that the clubface is still pointing at the sky in your finish.
- Lie variety drill: Hit flops from different lies in light rough to learn how the ball reacts.
- Swing length ladder: Use three different swing lengths to build distance control.
Practice flop shots only in a safe area where a bladed shot will not endanger other people, since a mishit can travel much farther and faster than intended.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Decelerating. Slowing down causes chunks and blades.
- Flipping the wrists. This changes the loft and causes inconsistent contact.
- Leaning the shaft forward. This reduces loft and exposes the leading edge.
- Playing it from a tight lie. The ball is likely to shoot across the green.
- Using it too often. Simpler shots are usually safer.
- Skipping practice. The flop is not a shot to try for the first time on the course.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flop shot hard?
Yes. It is one of the riskiest short-game shots and requires good technique, the right lie and practice.
What lie do I need for a flop shot?
A fluffy lie with some grass under the ball, usually in light rough.
Why do I blade my flop shots?
Blading often comes from decelerating, flipping the wrists or lifting up through impact.
