Goal: Accelerate through the sand with a full follow-through
How to do it
Without a ball, make bunker swings throwing a handful of sand over the lip onto the green: listen for the 'pfff' of the splash and finish with the hands high on every one. The flying sand is your ball. Once you throw 10 splashes in a row with a high finish, put a ball in the middle of the sand and repeat exactly the same motion.
The bunker backswing is long and the club visibly slows down as it reaches the sand; the follow-through is short or nonexistent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the "The splash with no ball" drill for?
Accelerate through the sand with a full follow-through
How do you do the "The splash with no ball" drill?
Without a ball, make bunker swings throwing a handful of sand over the lip onto the green: listen for the 'pfff' of the splash and finish with the hands high on every one. The flying sand is your ball. Once you throw 10 splashes in a row with a high finish, put a ball in the middle of the sand and repeat exactly the same motion.
How long does the "The splash with no ball" drill take?
About 15 minutes per session, 20 reps.
Sources
Dave Pelz — Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible
Harvey Penick — Harvey Penick's Little Red Book
PGA of America — PGA Teaching Manual: The Art and Science of Golf Instruction