In the final video of the Player Lesson series, Mike Malaska helps Jimmy Pearcy master the art of shot control. This session focuses on teaching Jimmy how to shape his shots by understanding the relationship between the clubface and his hands. Building on the relaxed mechanics, leverage, and grip fundamentals from previous lessons, Mike introduces the techniques that allow golfers to control ball flight with precision and creativity.

Mike begins by explaining the concept of shot shaping. He demonstrates how the clubface position—whether slightly open, closed, or neutral—affects the ball’s trajectory. By making subtle adjustments, a golfer can hit higher or lower shots, fade or draw the ball, or produce a straight shot. Mike likens this control to manipulating a tennis or pickleball racket, where small changes in angle and motion create spin and direction.

To make the concept tangible, Mike sets up a series of drills. He starts by having Jimmy hold the clubface in his hands, showing him how to tilt it to simulate low, high, left, and right shots. Mike emphasizes that these adjustments don’t require big, forceful movements but rather small, controlled changes in how the hands and wrists guide the club through impact.

The lesson progresses to hitting actual shots. Mike asks Jimmy to take his proper grip and address the ball, then manipulate the clubface to hit a hook, a fade, and a straight shot. Each shot requires Jimmy to focus on a different aspect of the clubface and its interaction with the ball. For a hook, Jimmy must slightly close the face; for a fade, he opens it; and for a straight shot, the face must remain square.

At first, Jimmy struggles to coordinate the adjustments with his swing. Mike patiently guides him, reminding him to stay relaxed and let the momentum of the club do the work. He reiterates the importance of trusting the lever system in his hands and wrists, which naturally aligns the face without unnecessary tension. As Jimmy practices, his shots start to curve in the intended directions, and he begins to feel more control over the ball.

Mike stresses that the ability to shape shots is a critical skill for any golfer. It allows players to navigate different course conditions, such as hitting low shots under the wind or curving the ball around obstacles. By developing this skill, Jimmy gains not only versatility but also confidence in his ability to handle various challenges on the course.

To reinforce the lesson, Mike compares shaping golf shots to playing other sports. He explains that in tennis or pickleball, players learn to add spin or change trajectory by making slight adjustments to the racket. Golf, he notes, is no different: it’s about using the hands to control the clubface rather than relying solely on body movements or brute force.

As the session continues, Mike challenges Jimmy to practice these techniques consistently. He encourages him to spend time experimenting with different shapes and trajectories, focusing on feel rather than distance. The goal, Mike explains, is not to hit the ball as hard as possible but to understand how to control the clubface and let the momentum of the swing dictate the shot.

By the end of the lesson, Jimmy experiences a breakthrough. For the first time, he feels in control of where the ball is going and how it’s getting there. He realizes that shot shaping isn’t about making drastic changes to his swing but about subtle adjustments to the clubface and trusting the natural motion of his hands.

Reflecting on the entire series, Jimmy expresses gratitude for the lessons Mike has provided. He appreciates how the focus on fundamentals, from grip and leverage to speed and control, has transformed his understanding of the game. With a relaxed, efficient swing and newfound control over his ball flight, Jimmy feels equipped to take his golf game to the next level.

This final lesson concludes the series, leaving Jimmy with the tools and confidence to approach every shot with precision, creativity, and a clear understanding of his swing. By mastering shot control, he is now prepared to tackle any challenge on the course and enjoy the game at a higher level.