9-iron bump and run shot: Kevin Faivre's triangle
Are you just starting out around the green and changing your technique every time you practice? Kevin Faivre sets up a simple drill—using chopsticks and three balls—to help you master a bump and run approach shot with a 9-iron while maintaining the triangle.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Kevin Faivre recommends that work on one technique at a time, for fifteen days to three weeks, before switching to something else. You also need to set up a scenario: a target, a starting point, and a technique. Here, two sticks crossed, three balls set aside for chipping, a target, and a goal: contact. The youth club around the green is 9-iron, neither a sand wedge nor a 7-iron.
The investment: ball in the middle of the stance, a club head between the shaft and each foot, weight distributed to the left, hands down half-grip for more control. It locks the hands and arms in place a bit and uses the chest to sense the triangle, which he maintains by rotating his upper body. Three practice swings that actually touch the ground—without hitting it too hard—and then the ball. It doesn’t matter if the ball lands far from the hole—he’s assessing the contact. He recommends 20 to 40 repetitions and filming yourself to make sure your hands and arms aren’t taking over.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Place two sticks in a cross, take three balls, and choose a target.
- Take your 9-iron and place the ball in the middle of your stance.
- Shift your weight to the left and lower your hands to the halfway grip.
- Lightly lock your hands and arms, and feel the triangle with your chest.
- Take three practice swings, letting the club touch the ground.
- Hit the ball by rotating your upper body while keeping your body in a triangle shape.
- Repeat 20 to 40 times, focusing solely on the contact.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Change your technique every session.
- Use a sand wedge or a 7-iron for this shot.
- Use your hands or arms to break the triangle.
- Being afraid to touch the ground, or, on the contrary, crashing into it violently.
- Evaluate the swing based on the distance to the hole rather than on contact.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Crossed sticks, three balls, one target
- Three attempts that touch the ground before each ball
- 20 to 40 repetitions with a size 9 iron, maintaining the triangle
- Video tutorial for checking your hands and arms
Your Questions
Which club should I use to start practicing bump and run?
Kevin Faivre recommends the 9-iron, which he considers the go-to club around the green, rather than a sand wedge or a 7-iron.
How should you position yourself for a bump and run?
Ball in the middle of the stance, weight shifted to the left, hands lowered to a half-grip for greater control.
What is the triangle in the bump and run?
The triangle formed by the arms and the chest. It locks the hands and arms in place slightly and maintains this triangle as the upper body turns.
How long should you practice a technique before moving on to the next one?
He recommends doing it regularly for 15 days to 3 weeks, repeating the exercise 20, 30, or 40 times, before moving on to the next one.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Kevin Faivre). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.