Use this drill to escape trouble when you’re in a tight spot

Picture this: You’re in the woods. (We all end up there one time or another.) Finding yourself in a trouble spot (like I am above), however, shouldn’t automatically mean taking a penalty for an unplayable lie. The backhanded jab — if you’re game enough — can work wonders and even impress your playing partners. 

Maybe you’ve tried it before, with or without success. But here’s the easy way.

Take your address to the side of the ball with your back facing where you want the ball to go. Stand with your feet together. (Your lie may dictate you doing this anyway.) 

Here’s the trick most people don’t know about: Grip down on the handle with whatever hand makes sense and then — important! — set the grip against the back of your forearm. This gives you the control you need to simply hinge the club up and then, simply, get as much of it on the ball as possible. 

Voilà! Easy as that.

Stefanie Shaw is director of instruction at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla., and teaching professional at Sebonack GC in Southampton, N.Y.