Hybrid Ricochet Technique: Jean-Marc Espelt
Do your hybrids dig into the ground or fly too high? Jean-Marc Espelt offers a simple tip: let the sole of the hybrid slide and then bounce off the fairway to approach shots of 175 to 195 yards with greater confidence.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Jean-Marc Espelt envisions a ball sitting nicely on the fairway at 160, 170, or 195 yards: a good hybrid shot allows you to reach the greens on par-4 holes or get closer on par-5 holes. His key: the ricochet technique. The hybrid's sole is designed for gliding and it is this that determines the angle of attack. You can hear it sliding across the ground: the angle is downward, but not too steep.
Without this image, especially on slightly greasy surfaces, two problems can arise: plant your feet and swing before the ball, or straighten up so you don't get caught and end up in a top. So you need to relax so that the sole of your shoe slides and bounces, as if you were throwing it into the ground. There’s no need to speed up: in his demonstration, the ball flies on its own.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Take a look at the sole of your hybrid shoe: that's the part that will be doing the work.
- Take a few practice swings while listening to the sole of the club glide across the ground.
- Relax so that the sole of the club glides rather than digging in.
- Throw the sole toward the ground as if it were going to bounce.
- Play the ball with the same feel, without trying to speed it up.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Plant the club in the ground and make contact before the ball.
- Straighten up to avoid getting caught, and bump into something.
- Wanting to speed up to make the ball fly.
- Staying tense during the swing.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Test swings with the hybrid club by sliding the sole
- Listening to the sound of the sole hitting the ground
- Balls placed on the fairway with the sole intention of making them bounce
Your Questions
What is the "ricochet" technique in hybrid golf?
Jean-Marc Espelt uses the sole of the hybrid—which is designed to glide—and tries to make it bounce off the ground. The angle of attack is downward, but not too steep.
Why do I prune my hybrids?
According to him, if you plant the club, you’ll catch the ground before the ball; to avoid this, many players straighten up and make a top. Letting the sole slide eliminates both of these flaws.
Do you have to accelerate to make a hybrid car take off?
No. In his demonstration, he doesn't speed up: by sliding the sole, the ball flies on its own.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jean-Marc Espelt). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.