Hitting off the dirt
 

I've been practicing compressing the ball with my Right Forearm Flying Wedge by hitting off of dirt. (There are always a few choice spots in the grass area of my local range.)

I like it because there seems to be no forgiveness whatsoever, you either compress the ball, thin it, or fat it - there is no in between.

My question is, is this a good way to practice, or are there pitfalls in practicing this way?

Home on the Range
 

You betcha.
Texas hardpan has improved many a golfstroke. Ask Lee Trevino.

Once you master it with Irons, find some softer dirt and work on hitting your driver off the deck. :)
I demo'ed that for ole Yoda last time I was at his range.

Or practice hitting balls from a fairway bunker.

The Dirt don't lie
 

I second this motion! I am able to do this on a driving range. A great test for a centered and stationary head! :salut:

Hitting Off Hardpan
 

For shots off hardpan, consider locating the ball at or near Low Point (and making the appropriate Aiming Point adjustment). This eliminates the jarring (and potentially injurious) Impact of Clubhead on hardpan, yet preserves the essential 'Downward' element so necessary to Three-Dimensional Impact.

:)

Or golf driving range mats! Thanks