How many times have we hit too far behind the ball in the bunker and left the ball in the bunker?  We feel there is an easier way to envision this shot correctly. 

Imagine there is a tee underneath the ball.  As your swing down and through the shot, simply try to break the tee in half.  This will work in any type of lie or sand.  This will also keep the club moving through the sand to the finish.  Additionally, this can help those who hit the ball too thin out of the bunker.  If you miss breaking the tee or even hit the ball first, you will skull the ball out of the bunker.