Transform Your Game: Start Bunker Practice with Long Shots

Introduction

Let’s face it—bunker shots can be downright intimidating, especially for young golfers just getting their feet wet (or sandy, in this case). The mere thought of trying to delicately pop the ball out of the sand and onto the green can make their palms sweat. Traditionally, coaches start teaching bunker play with those tricky little short shots, believing it’s the easiest way to introduce the fundamentals. But what if we’ve been going about it all wrong? What if starting with longer bunker shots could actually boost confidence and fast-track skill development?

The Challenge of Bunker Shots for Young Golfers

We’ve all seen that look of frustration on a young golfer’s face after their umpteenth attempt lands the ball right back in the bunker—or worse, sends it skittering over the green and into the rough. It’s enough to make anyone want to throw their club in the nearest pond (not that we’d recommend it!). The delicate touch required for short sand shots is no walk in the park, and starting off this way might be setting our aspiring golfers up for unnecessary frustration.

Reconsidering the Traditional Approach

By zeroing in on short bunker shots right out of the gate, we might be unintentionally putting a mountain in front of our young players. Mastering those subtle swings requires a level of finesse that’s tough to achieve without first getting a handle on the basics. It’s like asking someone to bake a soufflé before they’ve learned how to crack an egg.

The Benefits of Starting Bunker Practice with Long Shots

Building Confidence from the Ground Up

So here’s a thought—what if we flip the whole thing on its head and start with long bunker shots instead? Picture this: a young golfer steps into the bunker, takes a nice, full swing, and watches the ball soar out of the sand and down the fairway. The grin on their face says it all. By giving them the space to swing freely, without the fear of overshooting, we help them build confidence right from the get-go.

It’s like teaching a kid to ride a bike on a wide-open road rather than a narrow alley. There’s room to wobble, find their balance, and ultimately enjoy the ride.

Developing Clubhead Speed and Acceleration

One of the secrets to great bunker shots is generating enough oomph to power through the sand. When we start with longer shots, young golfers naturally take a bigger swing, which helps them feel how acceleration affects the ball’s journey out of the bunker. Focusing on release the right hand can really crank up that clubhead speed.

By getting a handle on this early, they’re not just swinging—they’re learning how momentum and force play into their game. It’s a lesson that will serve them well beyond the bunker.

Techniques for Effective Long Bunker Shots

Adjusting Setup and Stance

First things first: let’s talk about how they stand. Encourage them to lean a bit more weight onto their front foot and wiggle those feet into the sand. It’s all about feeling grounded and stable. A slight bend in the knees and a steady upper body can make all the difference.

I recall a time when a young golfer I was working with kept losing his balance during bunker shots. We adjusted his stance, had him imagine he was a tree with roots digging into the sand, and voilà—steady as a rock.

Emphasizing the Right Hand Release

Here’s a fun drill: have them practice swings using just their right hand. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but it really hones in on how the club should move through the sand. It’s all about feeling that release and letting the club do the work.

This focus helps prevent common pitfalls like decelerating at impact, which often leaves the ball stuck in the bunker. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend all day in the sand trap.

Utilizing the ‘Line Drill’ for Consistency

The ‘line drill’ is a classic for a reason. Drawing a line in the sand and aiming to hit it promotes consistent contact. Mix it up by varying the depth of the sand or changing the clubface angle. It keeps things interesting and challenges them to adapt.

One of my fellow coaches swears by this drill. She told me about a student who struggled with hitting behind the ball. After a few sessions with the ‘line drill,’ his accuracy improved tenfold.

Progressive Practice: Moving from Long to Short Shots

Adapting to Different Sand Conditions and Lies

Once they’ve got the hang of those long shots, it’s time to throw some curveballs—in the form of different sand conditions, of course. Practicing in fluffy sand, firm sand, or with the ball sitting up or buried helps young golfers learn to read the bunker and adjust their approach.

It’s like giving them a toolkit full of different wrenches—they’ll know which one to use in any given situation.

Incorporating Varying Swing Power

As they progress, teaching them to modulate their swing power becomes key. Starting with full swings for long shots, they can gradually learn to shorten and soften their swing for those trickier, shorter shots. It’s all about control and understanding how each adjustment changes the outcome.

Enhancing Skill Through Varying Practice Conditions

Keeping practice sessions fresh is half the battle. Incorporate targets, set up simulated course scenarios, or even create mini-challenges. Not only does this keep them engaged, but it also helps them apply what they’ve learned in a game-like setting.

Practical Tips for Coaches Working with Young Golfers

Engaging Drills to Keep Practice Fun

Let’s not forget—golf is a game, and games are supposed to be fun! Injecting a bit of playfulness into drills can make all the difference. Try games like “bunker bowling,” where they aim to knock down targets, or “sand skee-ball,” assigning points for landing in certain zones.

Positive feedback and a lighthearted approach can turn a grueling practice into the highlight of their week.

Encouraging a Positive Mindset and Resilience

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Remind your young golfers that even the pros hit a bunker now and then (or more often than they’d like to admit). Celebrate improvements, no matter how small, and keep the focus on progress over perfection.

Building resilience isn’t just about golf—it’s a life skill that will benefit them in everything they do.

Conclusion

By turning traditional bunker practice on its head and starting with long shots, we open up a whole new world of possibilities for our young golfers. They gain confidence by seeing immediate results, learn the importance of clubhead speed and proper technique, and have fun while doing it. As they progress to shorter, more delicate shots, they’ve already built a solid foundation to build upon.

At the end of the day, it’s about more than just escaping the sand. It’s about helping young athletes find joy in the game, embrace challenges, and develop skills that will stay with them long after they’ve left the bunker behind.