Ava Romero
Golf can be a challenging game, especially when it comes to mastering pitch shots. Pitching is a grey area for golf instruction, with a lot of conflicting and confusing information available. Pitch shots require a swing of a larger size, which can lead to greater errors if not hit properly. Therefore, your technique needs to be solid. This introduction will cover the fundamentals of how to golf pitch, including stance, ball position, and swing.
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What You'll Learn
The difference between a pitch and a chip shot
While there are many common elements to these shot game shots, chip and pitch shots are different. The difference between a pitch and a chip shot is that pitches carry a greater distance than they roll. Pitch shots are played more through the air and do not have as much roll. Chip shots, on the other hand, are low shots played along the ground and spend little time in the air. Chip shots are generally hit close to the green and the golfer does not need to carry the ball very far in the air.
Chip shots are one-lever moves where more of the shoulders are used without a wrist hinge, whereas pitch shots are two-lever movements that include the trunk and the wrist. Engaging the arms and the wrist in a pitch shot allows the golfer to generate more power as they are farther away from the hole. A bigger arc and rotation with a weight shift allow the golfer to generate the power needed to reach the green.
The decision to chip or pitch depends on two basic factors. The first is the lie of the ball. If you have a clean look at the back of the ball, a chip shot is likely the way to go. When you can make a clean strike and get the ball rolling towards the hole, it gives you more control. The second factor is the shot requirement. If you are close to the green without the need to carry the ball over any trouble, you should almost always choose a chip shot. However, if you need to carry the ball or get it to stop more quickly near a difficult pin placement, a pitch shot is better.
While there is no specific definition of a chip or pitch shot, a chip generally doesn't fly much in the air and spends more time on the ground. A pitch, on the other hand, spends most of the time in the air, even if it's a low trajectory.
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How to set up and swing
Setting up and swinging a golf pitch is a nuanced process that requires an understanding of proper technique and lots of practice. Here's a guide to help you improve your pitching:
Setup
When setting up for a pitch shot, it's important to position your body in a way that allows for the proper swing path. You want your body lines to be slightly open to your target line, which will enable you to swing the club on a very slight outside-to-inside path. This setup is different from a full swing shot, as you want to get the ball up in the air. Keep your stance relatively centred, as this helps achieve a more consistent strike.
Wrists and Hands
Awareness of wrist action is crucial in pitching. While you might not need as much flexion in your lead wrist as in a full swing, it's important not to flip your wrists as you get close to the impact position. Using your hands and wrists can help you hit the ball higher. More wrist hinge will make your swing steeper, increase spin, and produce a higher launch. However, it's generally best not to rely on your wrists under pressure.
Backswing
During the backswing, ensure that the clubface remains open and doesn't close as you take the club back. Keep the clubface pointing up, with the toe pointing toward the sky, rather than down. Hinging your wrists upward will help with this. Remember, you're unlikely to need a big turn off the ball for pitch shots, so don't overdo it. The length of your backswing should correspond to the desired distance of your shot. For shorter shots, keep your backswing below your belt line, and gradually increase it for longer shots.
Downswing and Impact
During the downswing, actively rotate your body toward the target. There should be minimal hand or wrist movement; instead, focus on turning your chest toward the target and letting the clubhead swing down the line. Look at the turf slightly in front of the ball as you swing to ensure a crisp strike.
Swing Path
Understand that the club should swing on a natural arcing motion rather than a straight line. This arcing motion helps gather the ball effectively and ensures a smooth follow-through.
Mastering these techniques and practising them consistently will help you improve your pitching accuracy and overall golf game.
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How to control distance
Distance control is a crucial aspect of golfing, especially when it comes to pitching and chipping. Here are some detailed techniques and tips to help you improve your distance control in golf pitching:
The Clock Face Technique
Imagine an imaginary clock face when you address the ball. Your feet are at 6 o'clock, your head at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock is on your left, and 9 o'clock is on your right. Control the length of your backswing by correlating it with the numbers on the clock face. For example, 8 o'clock could be your 1/4 swing, 9 o'clock your 1/2 swing, and 10 o'clock your 3/4 swing. It's important to ensure that your follow-through matches your backswing. This technique helps you visualise and control the distance of your shots.
Gapping and Muscle Memory
It's essential to know the distances you can achieve with each club, especially your wedges. Spend time at the driving range or practice area, experimenting with different clubs and swing lengths to understand their distances. This knowledge will help you choose the right club for the distance you need to cover. Additionally, practising with different distances helps build muscle memory, enabling you to instinctively select the appropriate club for various distances on the course.
Fine-Tuning Your Mechanics
To further improve distance control, fine-tune your mechanics by practising in front of a mirror or filming your swing. This allows you to analyse your swing, identify reference points, and make adjustments. Additionally, using devices like Trackman and Flightscope can provide immediate feedback on carry distance and other statistics, aiding in refining your technique.
Swing and Setup Adjustments
Making adjustments to your swing and setup can also enhance distance control. For instance, changing your stance by narrowing it and gripping slightly lower on the club can influence the distance. Additionally, varying the length of your backswing, from full swings to shorter ones, can help create different distances.
High Shots for Margin of Error
When controlling distance from inside 100 yards, consider opting for high shots instead of low ones. A high shot that flies towards the hole provides a larger margin for error. Even if you slightly miss-hit the shot, it can still clear hazards and land safely on the green. This approach helps you avoid penalty shots and the need to pitch again.
Remember, distance control in golf pitching requires a combination of technique, practice, and feel. By applying these techniques and tips, you'll be able to improve your distance control and, ultimately, lower your scores.
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Drills and techniques for a higher pitch
Drills and techniques are essential to mastering the art of pitching in golf. Here are some detailed instructions and practices to help you achieve a higher pitch:
Understanding Pitching
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the purpose of a pitch shot. Pitch shots are meant to carry the ball a greater distance in the air than it rolls on the ground. This requires a larger swing, which can lead to errors if not executed properly. Thus, a solid technique and understanding of the fundamentals are key.
Selecting the Right Club
When selecting a club for a pitch shot, opt for one with a high loft and bounce. The loft will help launch the ball higher, while the bounce, or the rounded bottom of the club, prevents it from digging into the ground. If you play on harder surfaces, you may need a wedge that digs more, whereas softer surfaces require more bounce.
Stance and Setup
For shorter pitches, place your hands lower on the grip and narrow your stance so your feet are nearly touching. This gives you more control and allows for a more positive swing. Conversely, for longer pitches, widen your stance and grip higher on the club. Ensure the shaft is centred in the middle of your feet to prevent the club from digging into the ground.
Wrist Hinge and Spin
Using your wrists during the swing can increase the steepness of your swing, add spin, and produce a higher launch. However, this technique can be challenging under pressure, so it is best used sparingly when necessary.
Drills for Improvement
To improve your pitching, try the "throwing" drill, where you hold a ball in your right hand during your backswing and then throw it down into the ground. This increases loft and bounce, resulting in a higher pitch. Additionally, focus on mastering your trajectory and distance control. Practice hitting five pitch shots in a row with near-identical strike, trajectory, and distance. This will help you refine your club head velocity, dynamic loft, and angle of attack at impact.
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Common issues and how to avoid them
Golfers often face issues with their pitching technique, stance, and club choice. Here are some common problems and ways to address them:
Stance and Setup
A common issue is standing with your feet too wide apart, which can lead to instability and poor shots. To avoid this, adopt a centred stance with your feet just two club heads apart. This will help you achieve a more consistent strike and improve accuracy.
Club Choice
Selecting the right club for a pitch shot is crucial. Choose a club with a high amount of loft and bounce, which will prevent the club from digging into the ground.
Backswing and Follow-Through
A backswing that is too long or too short can cause deceleration or excessive acceleration, respectively, resulting in poor contact. Focus on keeping your backswing and follow-through relatively equal on pitch shots to maintain a good rhythm.
Distance Control
Distance control is a challenge for many golfers. To improve, start with the desired end shot in mind, and control your energy and movement accordingly. Also, ensure that your body is moving up as the club moves down.
Practice
Pitching requires a lot of practice and finesse. Use the same club for your practice strokes to develop a sense of touch and gain confidence. Focus on your technique, keeping things simple and square, rather than adopting tricky, unnecessary stances and club face positions.
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Frequently asked questions
Pitches carry a greater distance than they roll. Pitches require a swing of a larger size, which can lead to greater errors if not hit properly.
You want a relatively centred stance with your weight, ball position and hands and club shaft centred in the middle of your body. Keep your feet just two club heads apart.
Take your practice pitching strokes while looking at your target and imagining the distance and flight of the ball. Always use the same club to develop a sense of touch and confidence.
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