When the green is in within reach and there is an opportunity to get the ball close, more and more professional players are playing knockdown shots.
The knockdown shot is a low trajectory shot designed for playing into the wind.
Lately, knockdown irons have become popular for use on par three tee holes.
The goal of the knockdown is to lower the trajectory and pierce through the headwind.
When the player learns to play the knockdown, that player will have added control of distance and trajectory.
The knockdown is a controlled iron play.
The shot requires less than a full takeaway but the same wrist hinge as a full swing.
Many times, golfers choke up on the iron to maximize the hinge effect and get a feel for the iron.
The turn on the knockdown is slightly altered and should be a one-piece turn.
The hands, the hips, the arms and shoulders must all rotate together.
This turn is designed to keep the club on plane.
Just as the backswing for a knockdown shot is controlled, the follow through should also be controlled.
During the downswing, the player should keep the shaft of the club pointing directly at the ball as long as possible.
At impact, make sure the wrist angle allows proper release of the club head.
The right-handed golfer must make sure the right wrist extends out and over the left wrist.
As the swing is modified and the trajectory is lower, the player should select a lower angled iron to accomplish the shorter distance.
At the practice range, try to get a feel for the reliable trajectory of the five iron and the seven iron.
Equate that trajectory to the distance that you can expect from each of those irons.
Once you have mastered these two irons, you may want to experiment with others.