The Tip

When hitting the flop shot, amateurs tend to open the club face too much, put their hands too far forward and position the ball too far back in a very open stance. That's a perfect recipe for a skull. Here are three keys to a successful flop:

1. A slightly open stance

2. A very forward ball position

3. A laid-back club face When laying back the club face, as I've done in the two photos labeled YES, the butt of the shaft should point at your belt buckle, and the leading edge of the club face should be perpendicular to the target—not open, as in the photos labeled NO. Laying back the club face helps you glide the club under the ball and get it airborne. Like Mickelson, take a full swing with your most-lofted wedge, but swing along your foot line, not the target line. Beware: The flop demands plenty of practice, and intestinal fortitude.