The little things count in golf. Chances are if you?re in the vicinity of breaking 90, you probably advance the ball well enough on the full shots, but lose several strokes within 40 yards of the hole. Therefore, perfecting shots such as the half-wedge are critical to bringing your score down.

You probably are used to making the same-length swing with every club in your bag. That?s what makes the 40-yard wedge shot so difficult. Here?s how to play this shot:

Hold the club a little more firmly, shorten your backswing and don?t cock your wrists as fully. Then, simply swing at the same pace, back and through. You?ll like the results.