Golf isn’t always played on perfectly flat fairways. Sometimes, you’ll find your ball sitting on a slope above your feet, making the shot feel awkward and unpredictable. The good news? With the right adjustments, you can still hit clean, controlled shots from this uneven lie.
In this guide, you’ll learn why this lie is tricky, what changes to make in your stance and swing, drills to practice, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Quick Answer (Featured-Snippet Friendly)
How to hit a golf ball above your feet: Stand slightly closer to the ball and more upright, play the ball a little back in your stance, and choke down on the grip for control. Golf ball Swing on a flatter plane, more around your body, and aim slightly right (for right-handers) since the ball often curves left from this lie.
Why This Lie Is Tricky (What “Above Your Feet” Means)
When the ball is above your feet, it means the ball is resting on a slope where the ground is higher than where you’re standing. This creates an uneven lie, changing how your body aligns with the club and ball.
Here’s why it matters:
- Shoulder tilt changes — your shoulders tilt more into the slope.
- Clubface angle shifts — the toe of the club sits higher than the heel, making it easier to close the face.
- Swing path flattens — you naturally swing more around your body, which affects ball direction.
As a result, many golfers notice the ball curving left (for right-handers) unless they adjust properly.
What Typically Happens to Ball Flight (Quick Physics & Tendencies)
- Ball above your feet: Tends to create a draw or even a pull left for right-handed golfers. To counter this, aim slightly right.
- Ball below your feet: Tends to push or fade the ball right for right-handers. Here, aiming slightly left helps.
Setup & Pre-Shot Checklist (What to Change at Address)
Stance & Posture
- Stand a touch closer to the ball.
- Keep your posture more upright — less spine tilt.
- Widen your stance slightly for extra balance.
- Choke down on the club 1–2 inches for better control.
Ball Position & Weight
- Position the ball slightly back in your stance compared to flat lies.
- Keep more weight on your lead (lower) foot — this prevents topping.
Grip & Alignment
- Hold the club with softer grip pressure for smoother control.
- Aim a few degrees right (for right-handers). Always test with a practice swing before committing.
Swing Adjustments (What to Do During the Swing)
- Swing on a flatter plane, more around your body.
- Focus on making a controlled, shallow divot (or brushing the turf).
- Keep your head steady and body balanced.
- Use less wrist flip — accelerate smoothly with your body, not just your hands.
Club Selection & Trajectory Control
- Use a more lofted club if you want to keep the shot under control and landing softer.
- For longer shots, take a ¾ swing instead of a full one. This improves balance and accuracy.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Too steep a swing → leads to chunks or tops.
Fix: Flatten your swing and stand closer. - Standing too far away → results in thin or fat shots.
Fix: Step in slightly, choke down. - Over-compensating aim → missing the target.
Fix: Test alignment with practice swings and make small aim changes.
Read also related topics: How to Stop Hooking a Golf Ball?
How to Get a Golf Ball Out of a Sink?
How Many Dimples are in a Golf Ball?
Drills and Practice Routine (Step-by-Step)
“Towel Under Foot” Balance Drill
- Place a towel under your lead foot when practicing.
- This simulates uneven lies and trains balance.
“Choke-Down 20-Ball” Drill
- Hit 20 shots while choking down 1–2 inches.
- Focus on distance control and accuracy.
mpact Bag / Slow-Motion Swings
- Use an impact bag or practice in slow motion.
- Feel the flatter swing plane and body rotation.
On-Course Simulation
- On the course, drop 10 balls on slopes.
- Play each one, tracking direction and distance.
On-Course Strategy & When to Be Conservative
- Play safe if you’re not confident — a layup is often smarter than risking a hook into trouble.
- Factor in wind and green slopes — a ball that curves left may roll even further left on sloped greens.
Compare: Above vs Below Your Feet (Quick Checklist)
| Lie Type | Tendency | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Above feet | Ball goes left (draw/pull) | Aim right, choke down, flatter swing |
| Below feet | Ball goes right (fade/push) | Aim left, maintain knee flex, stable swing |
Troubleshooting by Miss (Left vs Right)
- Too far left: You may be closing the clubface too much. Reduce your inside-out swing and aim less right.
- Too far right: Check weight distribution and shoulder tilt — you may not be swinging flat enough. Aim slightly left if needed.
Video & Image Suggestions
- Video: A short 60–90 second clip showing setup, swing, and ball flight.
- GIFs:
- Setup (stance, ball position)
- Swing plane side view
- Ball flight curve
- Photos: Close-up of grip, upright posture, balanced finish.
Conclusion & Quick Checklist
Before every above-feet shot, remember this 6-step checklist:
- Stand closer and upright.
- Widen stance for balance.
- Play ball slightly back.
- Choke down on grip.
- Swing on a flatter plane.
- Aim slightly right (for right-handers).
Master these adjustments and you’ll handle side-slope shots with confidence.
FAQ (Target Useful Queries & People Also Ask)
What should I do when the golf ball is above my feet?
Stand closer and more upright, choke down on the club, play the ball back slightly, and swing flatter to keep balance and solid contact.
Do I aim left or right when the ball is above my feet?
Most right-handers see the ball curve left, so aim a little right. Always test this with practice swings first.
How do above-foot lies differ from below-foot lies?
Above-foot lies promote a left bias (draw/pull), while below-foot lies push the ball right. Adjust stance, aim, and swing accordingly.