Also called a punch shot, the knock-down golf shot is usually played with an iron and flies lower and spins less than a normal shot with the same club. The knock-down, which requires the golfer to make certain technique adjustments, is often used when playing into or across a strong wind, hitting the ball beneath tree limbs or running the ball onto a green.

A knock-down may also be played with a driver, fairway wood or hybrid club. The more loft a club has, the more difficult it is to hit very low with minimal spin.