How To Hit A Shot From your Non Dominant Side

As an amateur golfer, I know how hard this game can be. And if you want to make things even more challenging, try hitting a shot with your opposite hand!

I once had a coach who would always say to make practice as difficult as possible. That way, when you play real golf, it feels easier since you have all the shots in your arsenal.

So, instead of googling “how to hit a shot from your non-dominant side” mid-round, learn the basics here so you’re prepared for the course. I’m going to share how I learned to hit shots backhanded after plenty of practice and experience.

Hitting A Shot From Your Non Dominant Side

You’ve hit a wayward drive and your ball is stuck by a tree. It depends on the situation, but hitting it backhanded can work if the lie is decent. Sometimes, a drop and penalty is smarter than a risky hero shot.

The key is practicing unfamiliar shots beforehand so you’re prepared for the course.

Assess the shot – check distance, conditions, and if escaping is wise. Pick an iron with enough loft that’s easy to swing backhanded. Take practice swings to get the feel. Stick to your routine and commit – don’t overthink it!

Accept the result, good or bad. Getting back in play and avoiding big numbers is what matters.

Practice other creative shots, too, like plugged bunker shots. Make practice harder so playing is easier.

You may even need to hit the putts on the green with the toe of your putter against thick grass.

Stay ready to escape trouble backhanded or with other shots you’ve practiced. Assess, choose a club, practice swings, commit, and have fun. Preparation is key for every challenge golf throws your way.

Step 1: Fully Assess the Shot

Any time you have an approach shot or need to chip out, the most important thing is assessing the shot. I’ve lost many strokes by rushing this part.

Take time to use a GPS, rangefinder, or even a golf watch to understand distance, target, and where to miss. Check the lie, wind, weather – all the factors. This is even more crucial for an awkward backhanded shot.

Ask yourself:

• Can I play this normally?
• Where should I advance the ball?
• Is a drop better than a hero shot?
• How’s the lie – up or down?

Getting the ball back in play and avoiding big numbers is key.

Step 2: Find Your Weapon

Once you decide it’s time for some hero golf, grab a mid-iron, usually a 7 or 8. It has to have enough loft and should be easy to twist backhanded, hitting with the toe. Long clubs are tougher for this shot.

Reversing a right-handed grip feels very odd with the left hand low. Even experienced golfers think it’s weird with a full club vs putting.

Step 3: Take Plenty of Practice Swings

After choosing my club, pick a target – just like a regular approach. Don’t try to hit it too far. Take practice swings to get the feel. I’ve tried this on the range before, so it’s not totally new.

It’s a simple chip out, not a full swing. Just take the club back waist-high like a chip and focus on accelerating through the ball. You want to take a little grass or dirt to get it in play.

The stance should be narrow, with the ball in the middle of your stance to get steeper. More weight on your front leg will help, too.

Step 4: Commit to the Shot

Once you’ve practiced and picked your target, it’s go time. Sticking to your routine is crucial – don’t overthink it! Studies show great pre-shot routines are under 8 seconds.

Finally, accept the result and laugh if it’s bad. Gotta have fun out there!

Step 5: Practice on the Range

To be ready for anything, practice tricky shots like this on the range:

• Plugged bunker shots
• Fried egg bunker shots
• Awkward lies in the short game area
• Fairway bunker shots
• Difficult practice makes golf easier!

Bonus: Hitting a Toe Putt

Sometimes you even need to hit toe putts on the green! This uses the toe of the putter, not the face. You’ve probably seen pros like Vijay Singh hit these.

Why use it? Typically, when the ball is against the collar or fringe. Normal putts are hard with thick grass. Chipping can be tricky, too. The toe putt pops it out like a chip, then rolls like a putt – best of both!

Here’s how to hit this fun shot:

• Hold the same grip, but instead hit the toe by twisting the putter
• Stand in your regular putting stance for you to be upright.
• More weight on your lead side to hit down through the ball
• Hinge wrists slightly and “stab” the ball out so it rolls

Expect it to come out fast, so plan accordingly! With practice, maybe you’ll make one for a lifelong memory.

My Experience

I recently played a tournament, and one hole gave me fits. Kept missing right in the trees. Once, I faced an awkward lie with no swing righty. But the lie was good with room to chip. Dropping wasn’t great so I went lefty.

My goal was 30 yards into the fairway for a good third. I took my time, practiced, and executed it. Hit it too well through the fairway, but no trouble. Got a good third and nearly saved par but missed the putt.

Thankfully, I had practiced this shot before to get the hang of it! Golf keeps testing you, so stay ready.

Final Thoughts

While hitting shots backhanded is fun, it’s not always right. Use course management – if the lie or stance is bad, it is often better to take a drop and penalty.

And don’t forget to practice these unusual shots alongside normal ones to expand your options on the course! With preparation, you’ll be ready for any challenge the Golf Gods throw your way.