Mr. Short Game

Crispy Wedges, Forward Forward Drill

Consistent wedge play comes from controlling low point, compressing the golf ball cleanly, and moving properly through impact. The “Forward Forward” drill simplifies wedge mechanics by teaching one essential movement: continuing forward through the shot instead of hanging back or trying to lift the ball.

Why Many Wedge Shots Struggle

Poor wedge contact often comes from unnecessary movement and improper weight transfer.

  • Weight shifts too far to the trail side.
  • Golfers try to scoop or lift the ball.
  • Hands flip through impact.
  • Low point becomes inconsistent.

The result is weak contact, poor compression, and inconsistent distance control.

The “Forward Forward” Concept

This drill is built around one simple idea:

  • Keep moving forward before impact.
  • Keep moving forward during impact.
  • Keep moving forward after impact.

The body stays centered and continues rotating toward the target instead of falling backward.

Setup Fundamentals

  • Use a pitching wedge or similar lofted club.
  • Take a stance slightly narrower than shoulder width.
  • Start with balanced pressure at address.
  • Maintain an athletic posture without excessive lean.

The setup should feel simple, balanced, and relaxed.

How the Drill Works

The motion is compact but extremely effective for improving compression.

  • Make a controlled backswing without drifting backward.
  • Feel pressure remaining centered or slightly forward.
  • Rotate continuously through impact.
  • Allow the body to keep moving toward the target.

The key is combining rotation with continuous forward motion.

What Good Contact Feels Like

When the movement is correct, several things happen naturally:

  • The strike feels crisp and compressed.
  • The ball launches lower and more controlled.
  • The divot occurs after the golf ball.
  • Distance becomes more predictable.

The sound of impact usually changes immediately when compression improves.

Why This Drill Improves Wedge Play Quickly

Wedge shots are highly sensitive to low-point control and sequencing.

  • Forward motion stabilizes the bottom of the swing.
  • Rotation prevents flipping and scooping.
  • Fewer moving parts create more consistency.
  • Compression improves without forcing effort.

The drill simplifies the motion instead of adding complicated swing thoughts.

The Simple Swing Thought

Keep the focus extremely simple:

  • Forward… forward.

That single cue helps organize the entire wedge motion naturally.

What Good Repetitions Look Like

  • Ball-first contact.
  • Shallow divot after the ball.
  • Lower, penetrating trajectory.
  • Consistent distance and spin.

The strike should feel stable and repeatable instead of forced.

Final Thought

Great wedge play does not require complicated mechanics. It requires solid movement through impact, good low-point control, and consistent compression.

Stay centered, keep moving forward, and let the body rotate naturally through the golf ball.