Intentionally hitting shots that curve in either direction with a variety of trajectories is called working the ball. This is an advanced skill requiring special techniques to produce left-to-right and right-to-left sidespin and control the launch angle of the ball from the clubface.

Working the ball is desirable on many shots encountered on a regular basis. For example, on a hole which bends (doglegs) from left to right, a shot that curves in the same direction is ideal. The ability to work the ball allows the player to steer around trouble and angle shots to reach difficult pin positions as well.