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A three quarters golf shot is an invaluable weapon for any golfer to possess from seasoned pro to beginner.

The three quarters shot requires a player to turn back from the ball moving the club shaft, arms and shoulders into a reduced length position when compared to the full swing. This shot normally produces more consistent results than a full swing because of its reduced length. Because of this the three quarters swing is often a “go to” shot for many players. However, players need to remember that because of the swings reduced length the ball will not fly so high or so far during the air.

Follow this guide to play a three quarters shot.

• Set up – place the ball just slightly further back in the stance than normal. For a 7 iron, centre of the stance for example
• Alignment is as normal straight down the ball-to-target line
• Adopt your normal posture. To hit a lower punch three quarters shot, place 60% body weight on the front foot and lean the shaft towards the target so the hands are ahead of the ball opposite the left thigh. For a normal three quarters swing keep the weight even on each foot
• Swing the club away as normal moving it away low and slow
• A full swing is identified as when the shoulders rotate 90 degrees in relation to the target and the left arm is pointing up at the sky and a half swing is when the shoulders rotate 45 degrees from the target and the left arm reaches parallel with the ground
• The three quarters swing should fall in between the two with the shoulders rotating 67.5 degrees in relation to the target and the left arm sitting in between parallel to the ground and at the sky
• Drive down and through the ball (keeping 60% body weight on the front foot if hitting a punch)
• After impact, the through swing should mimic the back swing and be three quarters in length

A three quarters shot can provide more accuracy and consistency than a full swing and also be adapted to hit a little punch.

A three quarters swing will have less speed than a full swing because of its reduced length. However, the reduction in speed is because of the shorter swing length and the swing should not actively be slowed down.

The three quarters length swing can be adapted into a punch shot (as mentioned above), however, its overall function is to control ball flight and not just hit low shots.

Golfers sometimes think a three quarters shot is when a player holds the club at three quarters its length (down the grip). This is not the case however as a three quarters swing relates to swing length not club length.