Wedge play
Distance Wedges 1-2-3-4 Drill: Get Creative or Get Left Behind!
Four ball flights
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The distance wedges 1-2-3-4 drill helps you explore four ball flights using the same underlying swing. Change the setup to play a low shot, a normal shot, a high shot and a lob towards one chosen target.
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You need: Wedges, putter + ballsPractice: 30 minutes
Watch the four wedge flights
Follow the original video for the setup and trajectory demonstration. The original post uses five shots of each flight and a 0–2 scoring scale. This branded version keeps the four-flight and putting-out practice, using 18 wedge attempts and one point for an up-and-down or better.
Step 1. Choose your yardage and rehearse the setup
What to do
Choose a practice target between 30 and 120 yards, with a suitable area where you can putt out afterwards. Begin at a distance you can manage with the wedge you select.
| Setup check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Feet and balance | Begin with the feet close together and weight evenly balanced. Keep the back foot square to the target line. |
| Lead foot | Pull the front foot back a few inches and flare it, following the original setup notes. |
| Starting ball position | For the base setup, place the ball approximately two inches inside the back foot. Step 2 gives the changes for the four flights. |
| Arms and hands | Let the arms hang just forward of centre. Use a weak trail-hand position, with its V pointing towards the sternum, and keep the lead arm softly bent. |
| Lead wrist | Keep a small cup in the lead wrist and maintain that feel in the backswing, as described in the original drill. |
| Chest and shoulders | Keep the shoulders level with the chest slightly rotated. Use the original flashlight image: a light at the sternum points roughly six inches in front of the ball. |
| Head and legs | Keep the head stacked over the body, with the nose, zip and space between the ankles aligned. Feel tall through the legs with minimal knee flex. |
Rehearse the setup before hitting. Use the same basic motion while exploring the numbered setup changes below.
Step 2. Play low, normal, high and lob shots
What to do
| Number | Ball flight | Setup from the original drill |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low | Place the ball opposite the right toe. |
| 2 | Normal | Place the ball opposite the right heel. |
| 3 | High | Place the ball in the middle and widen the stance. |
| 4 | Lob | Place the ball in the middle, widen the stance, add more weight to the left side and lower the handle to gain loft. |
The right and left references describe a right-handed golfer. For a left-handed golfer, use the equivalent trail-foot and lead-side positions.
Keep the target and selected wedge the same as you compare the four flights. Choose the flight before each shot and watch how the setup change affects the ball. The numbered positions are the heart of this drill.
Quick practice checks
| Watch for | Try this |
|---|---|
| Changing several variables | Keep the club and target consistent while you explore the numbered setup changes. |
| Losing track of the flight | Call the number before the swing and record the result against that number. |
| Forcing a difficult lob | Start at a manageable distance and use an unscored rehearsal before beginning the challenge. |
| Judging only the height | Putt out as well, so your practice includes how the shot leaves you around the hole. |
Your focus: Four ball flights
Step 3. Putt out and score two sets of nine
What to do
Play two low, two normal, two high and two lob shots, plus one extra flight of your choice. Repeat once. Putt out each ball.
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | You hole the wedge shot or finish with one putt. |
| 0 points | You need two or more putts. |
Add your points for a total out of eighteen.
Pick a yardage from 30 to 120 yards. Keep the selected wedge and target consistent while you compare the four flights, then putt out to test how useful each shot was. Practise two sets of nine wedge attempts for a maximum of 18 points.
FAQs
What equipment do I need?
Wedges, putter + balls.
How do I set up this drill?
Choose a practice target between 30 and 120 yards, with a suitable area where you can putt out afterwards. Begin at a distance you can manage with the wedge you select.
Rehearse the setup before hitting. Use the same basic motion while exploring the numbered setup changes in the guide.
What should I focus on during practice?
The right and left references describe a right-handed golfer. For a left-handed golfer, use the equivalent trail-foot and lead-side positions.
Keep the target and selected wedge the same as you compare the four flights. Choose the flight before each shot and watch how the setup change affects the ball. The numbered positions are the heart of this drill.
How should I record my practice?
Play two low, two normal, two high and two lob shots, plus one extra flight of your choice. Repeat once. Putt out each ball.
Add your points for a total out of eighteen.
What should I keep in mind when practising?
Use the distance wedges 1-2-3-4 drill to discover how four setup choices change your options. Keep the swing familiar, choose a number and notice the result.
What drill do you recommend I do next?
Try Wedge Nine Ball Flights Drill next to explore a choice of wedge trajectories.
You could also use Goldilocks Wedge Drill to build distance feel with short, long and on-target wedge shots. For another focused practice task, try Distance Wedge Control Drill to record useful wedge carry benchmarks.
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