Full Definition
The explosion shot is the standard greenside bunker technique. Setup: open stance 20-30 degrees left of target, ball forward in stance (inside lead heel), face open 10-20 degrees. Swing: aim 2 inches behind the ball, swing along the open body line (left of target), maintain accelerating swing through impact. The open face increases effective bounce, preventing digging, while the out-to-in path through the sand creates the sliding effect. Sand is the medium that propels the ball—never try to hit the ball directly.
See How Explosion Shot Affects YOUR Swing — In Real Time
GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including explosion shot — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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GOATY tip: Practice the explosion shot by drawing a 6-inch line in the sand and swinging to erase it completely without taking too deep a divot. The perfect divot is half an inch deep and 6-8 inches long. Book a free live lesson to see your own explosion shot data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Explosion Shot in golf?
A bunker shot technique where the clubhead enters the sand before the ball, blasting sand and ball onto the green.
Why does explosion shot matter for scoring?
The explosion shot is the standard greenside bunker technique. Setup: open stance 20-30 degrees left of target, ball forward in stance (inside lead heel), face open 10-20 degrees. Swing: aim 2 inches behind the ball, swing along the open body line (left of target), maintain accel...
How can I improve my explosion shot?
GOATY tip: Practice the explosion shot by drawing a 6-inch line in the sand and swinging to erase it completely without taking too deep a divot. The perfect divot is half an inch deep and 6-8 inches long. GOATY AI measures your explosion shot in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good explosion shot for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your explosion shot compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.