Have you ever faced a shot into the wind, from the woods or where the length of the swing is limited? Most of us duffers have faced these shots at one time or another. The key to getting the most from such situations is to keep the ball's trajectory low while still getting the desired distance. What is needed is the punch shot.

Double D was known for his high iron shots. He would even hit his long irons higher than most hit their mid-irons. Truth was that was the only shot he knew how to hit. He was unable to flight the ball low when necessary and that cost him so many extra strokes in the wind and especially amongst the trees.

The punch or knockdown is one that flies lower and runs out more than a normal shot with the same club. The swing is shorter than a normal swing, usually from about the nine o'clock position to the three o'clock position.

A number of situations lend themselves to this type of shot. A few are identified below:

To keep the trajectory of the shot down lower than normal
To have better distance control
To decrease the amount of spin on the ball
The backswing or follow-through are obstructed in some way
To reach an elevated green

Double D now uses the punch shot on occasion with good success.

There is a par 5 where the approach shot is protected by a huge oak tree just right of the fairway. If the second shot is not placed carefully to the left side of the fairway then this tree is an obstacle to the uphill green. Seems that tree is some kind of ball magnet and we all have ended up being forced to deal with it.

Double D uses a punch shot to keep the ball under the tree and get it to run up the hill to the green. It is uncanny how well he plays this shot.

Here are the simple steps to help you uncover the mystery of the punch shot.

Choose plenty of club
Set your feet shoulder width apart
Play the ball back in your stance an inch or two.
Hands ahead of the ball at address
Shorten your backswing to between 9 to 11 o'clock.
Strike down and through the ball.
Maintain the wrist cock in right hand through the shot.
Follow through to between 5 to 3 o'clock.

It will take some time and practice to gauge how far a punch will carry and roll. As with any shot you will need to adjust clubs for the conditions of the day.

Many golfers prefer the punch/knockdown shot when playing to a specific distance or when they find themselves between clubs.

Double D says that once you master this essential and versatile shot, you will be shocked how many shots you will take off your scores and handicap.