How do I practice different landing spot to roll ratios?

Mastering Landing Spot to Roll Ratios in Wedge Play

As Lane "The Lever," I emphasize feel and timing in every aspect of the game, including the short game where rhythm translates to precise control. Landing spot to roll ratios refer to the balance between how far your wedge shot carries through the air (landing spot) and how much it rolls out after landing. This skill is essential for getting up and down from various lies around the green, allowing you to attack pins aggressively while managing green speeds and pin positions. High ratios (more carry, less roll) suit soft landings near the hole, like flop shots, while low ratios (less carry, more roll) excel for bump-and-runs across firm turf.

Key Principles for Control

• Loft and Club Selection: Use higher-lofted wedges (e.g., 58-60° lob wedge) for steep descent angles and minimal roll; lower lofts (e.g., 50-54° gap or pitching wedge) for shallower angles and maximum roll.
• Ball Position: Play the ball back in your stance for low, running shots (chip and run style); forward for high, spinning flops.
• Setup Adjustments: Open stance and flare toes for flops to promote an outside-in path; square or slightly closed for controlled roll shots. Maintain soft knees and a neutral stance width for mobility, positioning the ball slightly forward of center in pitches to extend arms through impact.
• Swing Tempo: Focus on smooth, rhythmic acceleration—shorten backswing for control, emphasizing arm and wrist release timing rather than body torque. Preserve spine angle through impact for stability.

Step-by-Step Practice Drills

Practice on a driving range or practice green with marked targets. Use alignment sticks, tees, or towels to define landing zones (e.g., 5-10 yard carry areas) and measure roll with a tape or by pacing. Start with 50-yard shots, hitting 10 balls per drill, tracking success rates.

Drill 1: High Carry, Low Roll (Flop Shot Ratio - 80/20)

1. Set a landing zone 8-12 yards out, aiming for 1-2 yards of roll.
2. Club: Lob wedge. Ball forward, weight on front foot, hands ahead slightly.
3. Swing: Long, sweeping backswing with open clubface; accelerate smoothly through impact, finishing with arms extended high and weight balanced on front foot.
4. Feel Cue: Imagine sweeping the ball up a ramp—effortless release for soft landing.
5. Progression: Vary lies (rough, fringe) to build touch.

Drill 2: Medium Pitch (50/50 Ratio)

1. Landing zone at halfway point (e.g., 15 yards carry, 15 yards roll from 30 yards).
2. Club: Sand or gap wedge. Ball center, square stance.
3. Swing: Tempo-focused pump drill—backswing to top, pause, drop arms halfway, then release. Use towel under armpits for connected feel without tension.
4. Feel Cue: Rhythmic flow like a pendulum, hitting the sweet spot for optimal spin and check.
5. Progression: Incorporate center of rotation stability by feet-together swings for arm-dominated purity.

Drill 3: Low Carry, High Roll (Chip and Run - 30/70 Ratio)

1. Landing zone 3-5 yards out from 10-15 yards, targeting 7+ yards roll.
2. Club: Pitching or gap wedge. Ball back, hands well ahead (delofting).
3. Swing: Short backswing, crisp contact brushing the turf—maintain spine angle, no wrist hinge.
4. Feel Cue: Sweep low like skipping a stone, prioritizing ground contact over air time.
5. Progression: Tight lies or downhill slopes to sharpen distance control.

Advanced Progression: Ratio Ladder

• Hit sequences blending ratios: 5 flops, 5 pitches, 5 chips—alternate clubs and distances.
• Track data: Note green speed (Stimp rating if available) and adjust loft/attack angle.
• Incorporate pressure: Simulate up-and-down scenarios from 20-50 yards off the green.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Excess Roll: Too much speed or shallow angle—shallow your divot and add loft.
• Short Carry: Deceleration—commit to full release with tempo drills.
• Inconsistent Miss: Poor alignment—use sticks for body and clubface checks.
• Lack of Feel: Practice feet together to isolate arms, building timing.

Key Takeaway

Mastering landing spot to roll ratios transforms your short game into an artistic weapon, boosting up-and-down percentages through feel-driven precision. Dedicate 30-45 minutes per session, focusing on smooth tempo and release sequencing—consistency emerges from patient repetition, turning every chip into a rhythmic release of potential. Commit to these drills, and watch your scrambling soar.