Although most of us prefer to hit a "long ball" with the driver when we practice and emphasize it during the round it is out short game that will truly allow us to shoot better scores and thus become better players.

Today we begin the process of understanding what the short game is and will spend the coming weeks analyzing the various types of shots we must master to become a good player.

Very simply put the short game is any shot that does not require a full swing. In a way, the short game is the most interesting part of golf because of the variety of shots possible. A well struck full golf shot gives much pleasure, and can satisfy the power urge we all have, but in the end it is the short game that really makes the score.

I believe the short game embraces the wide range of shots from distances of around 75 yards to a couple of feet - pitches, chips, bunker shots and putts. The various techniques for these shots will vary greatly from the full swing we have been working on, but there are some similarities we must not forget.

Although, it may not seem important that you have a solid foundation for short shots since the swing is so much less forceful than for full swings, in fact balance and stability are even more critical. The slightest movement of the body on a chip shot or a three foot putt can cause a miss, whereas you might very get away with it on a full swing.

Knee flex is another essential element of the short game. If your knees are locked at address you will be unable to drive the knees through impact, which is a critical function in being able to produce spin from a flop shot or bunker shot.

Again our posture remains a constant factor. Short shots - especially those from just off the green, have a way of making us want to hunch our shoulders. This becomes the main reason for hitting poor shots - generally fat, or behind the ball. "Good Posture" - a straight back and a slight bend at the waist - are as essential to a good short game as they are to hitting long straight drives.