How to pitch it?Set-up- Narrow stance than normal
- Feet and hips square to target line
- Ball position is centre with square blade (blade perpendicular to target line).
Execution- Arms, hands & club start and swing back as a unit
- Backswing to 3 o’clock with 90 degree wrist hingle
- Forward swing turning shoulders only (no hands “flicking”) to 9 o’clock only.
Tee-down drillPlace a tee in the hole in the end of your golf club grip. Practice taking normal swing of 3 o’clock- 9 o’clock swing lengths with the tee pointing to the round on the backswing and on the forward swing.
There are TWO key points to consistent pitching:1. A natural and confident pitch shot requires that you swing SMOOTHY and within yourself (say at 70% power)
2. Precise and consistent pitching require ‘aging’ of 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock technique (tee peg pointing straight down) and carefully calculation of distances using different clubs (such as your lob wedge, gap/utility/Approach wedge, sand wedge, pitching wedge and possibly 9 iron), whilst maintaining a constant rhythm and tempo and NOT using the same club and adjusting the length of backswing or “power”!
This technique is especially valuable in pressure situations where following the mechanics gives a higher chance of success than relying on feel! Once you have reached a level of consistency with the 3 to 9 o’clock swing you should have a firm knowledge of your distances according to your own personalized chart as follows:
Estimated distances
|
3 to 9 o’clock |
60 degree (Lob Wedge) |
+/-50yds |
56 degree (Sand Wedge)
|
+/-60yds |
52 degree (Gap/Utility/Approach Wedge) |
+/70yds |
48 degree (Pitching Wedge)
|
+/-80yds |
44 degree (9 Iron)
|
+/-90yds |
(Golf Today Magazine of HCM City Golf Association, p.52-54, No.12, June 2009)