Trevor Ng
Pitching in golf is one of the most difficult shots to master and requires a lot of practice. Pitch shots are longer shots that fly most of the way to the hole, whereas chip shots are shorter and roll farther than they fly. Pitch shots are used when there are obstacles in the way, such as a bunker, or when there is heavy rough, as the loft on the club is designed to launch the ball up and out of deep grass. When pitching, it is important to keep your feet close together, with the ball at the centre of your stance, and your hands and the shaft in the middle.
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What You'll Learn
Chipping vs. pitching
Chipping and pitching are two types of golf shots that are used in different situations. Understanding the difference between the two is important for improving your game and lowering your scores.
Chipping involves using a club with very little loft, such as a 7-iron or a hybrid, to achieve a low shot that spends more time on the ground than in the air. The ball is struck with a delofted clubface, causing it to launch low and roll towards the target. To execute a successful chip shot, the ball should be placed towards the back of your stance, with more weight on the front foot and a narrow stance. The stroke is similar to a putting stroke, with a compact motion that keeps the club head low to the ground. Chipping is generally used when there is a clear path to the hole and the goal is to get the ball rolling smoothly towards the target.
Pitching, on the other hand, involves using a club with more loft, such as a lob wedge or a sand wedge, to achieve a higher shot that spends more time in the air. The wrists and hands are more involved in the swing, with a longer backswing and hinge of the wrists, allowing the ball to get up and over obstacles. For a pitch shot, the ball is typically placed in the center of your stance, with equal weight distribution. Pitching is used when there is an obstacle to clear, such as a bunker guarding the green, or when you need to carry the ball over a longer distance.
While there is some grey area and variation in how golfers define chipping and pitching, the main distinction lies in the ball flight and trajectory. A chip shot has a lower ball flight and more roll, while a pitch shot flies higher and longer, with more spin and less roll when it hits the ground.
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Pitching technique
Pitching is a type of golf shot that is longer than a chip shot and usually travels through the air for most of its distance. Pitch shots are used when the golfer needs to carry the ball or get it to stop quickly near a difficult pin placement.
When setting up for a pitch shot, it is important to keep your feet close together, with your feet spaced no more than a foot apart. Your trail foot should be close to square with the target line, while your lead foot can be rotated open. Your stance and alignment should be anywhere from square to the target to slightly open, but never closed. Your shoulders should be level and your weight should be more on your lead foot.
The ball position for a pitch shot is in the middle-back, and you should have a slight hinge on your backswing. Your hands should beat the club to the ball, and you should accelerate your chest through the ball. Try to keep your forearms from rolling too much through the shot and finish with a controlled hold-off.
When swinging for a pitch, it is important to keep everything connected and to stay passive with your wrists. You can control the distance by varying your swing length and club choice. For pitches between 30 and 50 yards, focus on keeping everything connected to achieve consistency.
The strike of a pitch shot is different from a chip shot. Pitch shots contact the ball and the ground at about the same time, resulting in higher, softer shots with more spin. This is due to a shallower attack angle and the use of the club's bounce, with the impact point closer to the bottom of the swing arc.
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When to pitch
Pitching in golf is one of the most difficult shots in the game and requires a lot of practice to get right. It is a high-risk shot that should only be used when necessary.
So, when is it necessary?
Firstly, consider the lie of the ball. If you have a clean look at the back of the ball, for example, if it is on the fairway or has a good lie in the rough, a chip shot is the way to go. This is because you can make a clean strike and get the ball rolling towards the hole, giving you more control. If the lie is poor, choose a pitch shot to get the ball up and out so it can land softly.
Secondly, consider the shot requirement. If you are close to the green without any obstacles between your ball and the hole, you should choose a chip shot. If you need to carry the ball over an obstacle, or get it to stop quickly near a difficult pin placement, a pitch shot is the better option. Pitch shots are also useful if there is a lot of green and no serious obstacles in front of you. If there is a large obstacle, such as a bunker, or less green to work with, a pitch shot is often required to get the ball up and over.
Additionally, if you are playing on a very fast green, a pitch shot may be required to allow for additional ball control. The type of terrain will also impact whether you choose a pitch or chip shot, as these shots will cover longer distances depending on the terrain.
In summary, while there is no definitive rule about when to pitch, it is generally used when there are obstacles between the ball and the hole, or when there is limited green to work with. Pitch shots are also useful on fast greens and when more height is required.
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Pitching wedges
Pitching in golf is a type of shot that spends more time in the air than on the ground. Pitching wedges are therefore used to get the ball up and out so it can land softly. They are the lowest-lofted wedges, with a loft of between 42 and 49 degrees, though some sources state the range to be 44°-48°. They are usually included in a set of irons. The PW is considered one of the basic clubs every golfer carries.
When setting up for a pitch shot, your feet should be spaced no more than a foot apart, with your trail foot close to square to your target line and the lead foot rotated open. Your stance and alignment should be anywhere from square to the target to slightly open, but never closed. Your weight should be more on your lead foot and your shoulders should be level.
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Mastering pitch shots
Pitching is a crucial aspect of golf, and mastering pitch shots can significantly improve your short game and add versatility to your skills around the green. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you master pitch shots:
Understanding Pitch Shots
Firstly, it's important to understand the purpose of a pitch shot and when to use it. Pitch shots are typically used when you need to carry the ball over obstacles or get it to stop quickly near a difficult pin placement. It is also useful when you have a poor lie and need to get the ball up and out so it can land softly.
Stance and Setup
A proper setup is crucial for executing effective pitch shots. Keep your feet close together, with a narrow stance. Your feet should be spaced no more than a foot apart. Your trail foot should be close to square with the target line, while your lead foot can be rotated open. Your shoulders should be level, and your weight should be more on your lead foot.
Ball Position
For pitch shots, you want a relatively centred stance with the ball positioned near the centre. This helps achieve a consistent strike. Minor adjustments can be made to control the ball's flight, but starting with the ball near the centre is a reliable starting point.
Club Selection
When selecting a club for a pitch shot, choose one with a high amount of loft and bounce. Bounce refers to the rounded bottom of your club, which prevents it from digging into the ground. Different conditions call for different bounces. If you're playing on a hard surface, you may need a wedge that will help you dig. If you're on a softer surface, more bounce will be beneficial.
Wrist Action and Acceleration
Understanding wrist action in pitching is essential. While you might not need as much flexion in your lead wrist during the pitch as in a full swing, it's important not to flip your wrists. Accelerating through the ball is crucial for hitting good pitch shots. Your body must keep moving and rotating to prevent deceleration, which can lead to poor shots.
Practice and Feedback
Remember, every golfer is unique, and you may need to make minor adjustments to find the technique that works best for you. With practice and a good understanding of the fundamentals, you'll be pitching like a pro in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
Pitching is a type of golf shot that is considered one of the most difficult to master. It involves hitting the ball in a way that makes it spend more time in the air than on the ground.
Chipping is another type of golf shot that is often confused with pitching. Chipping involves hitting the ball in a way that makes it roll farther than it flies, whereas pitching is the opposite, with the ball flying farther than it rolls.
You should pitch the ball when there is a difficult sand trap between your ball and the hole, or when you need to carry the ball over an obstacle or get it to stop quickly near a difficult pin placement.
Practice is key to improving your pitch shots. It is also important to use the right equipment and to keep things simple, especially when you are starting out.
