Many thanks, I will try all of your suggestions. I have been trying to work on a lateral shift towards the target just before the downswing - what is the point of the lateral shift?

I see it mentioned in a lot of books. I have been taking lessons and the instructor is not keen on a lateral shift - he thinks it will throw off your angles. I realize there is more than one way to play the game, and I am always looking for new ideas.

James[/quote]
i've mentioned this before in other posts....point your trailing knee inwards toward the ball this will stop you from swaying back. You have to transfer weight to your forward leg. If you don't do that you will hit the big ball first (the earth) before you hit the small ball (golf ball). That's not a good thing. If you can learn to play all shots from the same position you will be better off. Place the ball just inside your arm pit of your forward arm should work. Go to a range and try it out.