Putting back spin on a soaring approach shot into a tight pin position, is perhaps the most outstanding shot in the game of golf . It draws gasps of admiration from the onlookers and enables golfers to attack the most difficult pin positions . But how do they do it.

To get a golf ball to ’suck backwards’, several key factors need to be present .

5 Key Factors

1. The Golf Ball

The hard two piece balls that amateur golfers play with are very difficult to spin. In fact they are designed to add distance by creating top spin, the opposite of backspin. In order to create backspin it is important to play with a soft cover balata ball.

2. The Lie If the ball is lying down in the rough it is difficult to add backspin because the grass gets between the ball and the grooves of the club head and eliminates the bite needed to create back spin. The best lie for creating backspin is a tight lie on the fairway.

3. Clubs The golf club used is a critical factor in generating backspin, the higher the loft the more backspin . There are wedges sold that have rusted faces. These types of wedges have even more friction and thus increase the back spin transfered to the ball . Even discount golf clubs are made with good biting grooves and are considered good golf equipment.

4. Direction Of The Wind

It is very difficult to create backspin if the wind is blowing in the same direction of the shot. It is much easier to get backspin if the wind is blowing toward the golfer.

5. The Condition of the Greens

The best spin conditions are for greens to be slightly wet and receptive . It’s difficult to generate backspin if greens are like concrete .

The Swing

Address the ball in the centre of your stance. Put 65% of the weight on the front foot nearest the target and ensure that your hands are ahead of the ball. Make a concerted effort to retain this weigh distribution throughout the swing and focus on generating an upright backswing. Keep your lower body movement quiet and allow the arms and hands to swing in front of your body. This promotes a descending angle of attack and ensures crisp contact with the back of the ball .

Concentrate on keeping your hands in front of the ball at impact, striking the ball first then turf. Greg Norman advocated an excellent feeling to ensure this position. He stated it’s important to retain the wrist angle established at address by focusing on moving the palm of your trailing hand through the ball at impact. This will also prevent any drastic releasing of the golf club and ensure a sharp angle of attack.

It’s important to swing through the shot and maintain good acceleration and club head speed.

This shot takes time to learn so be patient . Go to the range, implement the technique, build muscle memory and then take it to the course. Commit to the shot and enjoy the gasps of admiration from your playing partners.