When you find yourself in a fairway bunker you want to keep two things in mind.

1. Swing smooth and stay in balance
2. You do not need to try to pick the ball without touching sand.

The most important thing about a fairway bunker shot is that the club strikes the ball before it touches the sand. In order to do this consistently you need to take enough club to swing smooothly and under control. If you attempt to swing too hard your balance will be poor and there is a good chance your club will make poor contact with the ball.

The picture in your mind should be of the middle of the clubface striking the back middle of the ball and then sweeping downward into the sand. The slightly downward blow will not drive the ball into the sand it will create backspin that will get the ball up in the air and out of the bunker. Let the loft of the club produce the height, you do not need to lift up with the club to get the ball up in the air. As a matter of fact when you try to lift up you will usually catch the ball thin or catch the sand first, neither makes for good results.

Remember, in fairway bunkers good contact is everything so swing extra smooth and hit SLIGHTLY down on the back of the ball.