In golf, there are moments when a high, soaring shot just won’t do. Whether you’re hitting into the wind, navigating low-hanging tree branches, or dealing with a tough lie, sometimes you need to keep the ball low and controlled. 

That’s where the knockdown shot comes in. This reliable, lower-trajectory shot prioritizes ball-first contact and produces more roll after landing, and with a few keys you can master this handy shot—and all you need to remember is “2-2-2”.

Grip down 2 inches

To hit this shot, you’ll need to make a couple of adjustments to your setup. The first is choking down on the club. Because this shot uses a shorter, more compact swing, typically three-quarters in length, you don’t need the full length of the club. Choking down gives you better control and helps limit excessive height on the ball.

I usually tell my students to grip down about two inches when setting up for a knockdown shot—that’s your first “2.”

Ball position back about 2 inches

Next, you’ll need to move the ball back in your stance by approximately two inches—that’s the second “2”. 

Shifting the ball position slightly further back encourages a forward shaft lean at impact and delofts the clubface. This promotes a lower launch angle and helps the ball stay under the wind, while also adding forward roll once it hits the ground.

Lead foot back 2 inches

The final “2” is referencing your lead foot position. I want you to pull your front foot back about two inches, as this creates a slightly open stance. This change helps keep your weight and pressure more forward throughout the entire swing, which is key to compressing the ball and ensuring clean contact.

With these three easy changes—grip down, ball back, lead foot back—you’ll have the foundation for a reliable knockdown shot. It’s a great go-to when conditions are tough, and it’s easy to practice and remember.

So next time you’re facing a stiff headwind or a narrow shot window, don’t panic. Just remember the knockdown—and more importantly, remember “2-2-2.”