Iron (Golf)
A category of golf club with a thin, angled metal head, numbered by loft and used mainly for controlled approach shots.
Definition
An iron is a type of golf club with a relatively thin, flat-faced metal head, used mainly for approach shots where accuracy and control matter more than maximum distance. Irons are numbered, and as the number rises the loft increases while the shaft shortens, so a higher-numbered iron hits the ball higher and a shorter distance.
Irons sit between woods, which are built for distance, and the putter, which is used on the green; the highest-lofted irons are the wedges used for short, steep shots. Players commonly carry a graduated set of irons to cover a ladder of consistent distances.
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Equipment
- Golf clubA shafted club with a specialised head used to strike the ball around a golf course.
- Baseball batA smooth, rounded club used by batters to hit the pitched ball in baseball and softball.
- Yoga matA thin, cushioned non-slip mat used for floor-based exercise and stretching.
- Padel racketA solid, stringless perforated racket used to play padel.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
Techniques
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Padel BandejaA controlled overhead shot in padel, hit with slice and moderate pace to keep the player at the net without over-committing.
- Table Tennis Forehand DriveA controlled attacking stroke in table tennis, played on the forehand side with a compact swing and light topspin.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
Movement patterns
- SlideA slide is a controlled, low-friction skid of the body or foot along a surface, used to brake, extend reach, or hold a line, where managed friction and a lowered centre of gravity govern the movement.
- BackpedalControlled backward locomotion performed while facing forward, staying low and pushing off the balls of the feet in short strides to stay reactive and keep play in view.
- LandingThe controlled absorption of force at ground contact that ends an airborne phase, dissipating impact through eccentric triple flexion of the ankle, knee and hip.
- Shuffle (Lateral Shuffle)A low, athletic side-to-side stepping pattern in which the feet never cross, used to reposition and stay balanced and reactive while keeping the shoulders square to a target.