The Shot Every Player Should Master, According to a Top Teacher

# Master the Bump Shot for a Better Short Game

if you’re looking to improve your game in 2026, there’s no need to blow up your swing or start from scratch. Sometimes the best way to make gains is to start with something simple and manageable.

While it’s tempting to spend all your practice time on ball-striking, hitting endless drivers on the range, dialing in your shots around the green will likely have double the impact on your score. So what’s the ultimate shot to master in order to strengthen your short-game repertoire? I asked Fiddler’s Elbow teaching professional Gia Liwski for her pick.

“Every player needs a nice little bump shot,” she said. “Something really basic, either with a 7-iron or a 6-iron or even a hybrid. You want something that’s going to get the ball low and rolling towards the target to give yourself a chance to get it on the green.”