It seems like I get questions on sand play everyday and I had several people ask me to do a tip on getting out of our bunkers. Here is a procedure for extracting the ball from the sand.
1. Position the ball in the front of your stance adjacent to your left big toe.
2. Position the majority of your weight on your left foot and leave it there throughout the entire swing.
3. Aim at a spot about ½ inch behind the ball.
4. Swing the club through that spot keeping the clubface below your hands after hitting the golf ball.
5. A big follow through is not necessary.