So far you have learnt that each club produces different force on the ball and additionally planes of motion also produce different forces on the ball. Shots around the green due to the shorter length of them now bring into play the potential to vary the motion of the club to produce different shot outcomes. Firstly understanding the force each motion will apply to the ball and then by understanding the varying surfaces around the green, will likely allow the player to bring about a desired shot. Most players fail around the green as a result of not understanding force on the ball or by choosing the wrong way to apply force away from the center of mass of the ball.

Each club we use possesses a different loft and length and thus should by design, result in a different contact point and vertical force vector relative to the center of mass of the ball thus producing a different ball flight. The higher the contact point on the ball the lower the initial flight and the more the force vector is below the center of mass of the ball (assuming the club speed is equal) the more backward spin will be created on the ball.

BALL SPEED

The speed of the ball is determined by the speed of the clubhead and the force vector of the center of mass of that clubhead relative to the center of mass of the ball during the collision between club and ball. Shots played around the green need to have the least transfer of energy from club to ball of any shot we hit.

BALL CONTROL

The direction of the ball is determined by the contact point of the ball on the club and more importantly the force vector of the center of mass of the clubhead relative to the center of mass of the ball in a horizontal axis.

VERTICAL SPIN RATE

The spin rate of the ball is determined by the force vector of the center of mass of the clubhead in a vertical axis relative to the center of mass of the ball.