Golf Pitching Tips

Posted on 02. Feb, 2013 by dustin in beginners

If you  are new to golf, it is important for you to understand the difference between a pitch shot and a chip shot. It is easier to explain what a pitch shot is when it is compared to a chip shot.

A chip shot is typically played from closer to the green and the ball will spend less time in the air than a pitch shot. With a chip shot you want to get onto the green as fast as possible and let the ball roll to the hole. Very similar to a putting stroke but, with a few modifications to your swing. On the other hand, a pitch shot will spend most of its time in the air and have less roll. A pitch shot goes much higher in the air and is usually used when trying to get the ball over an object like – Sand bunker, water, etc. or if you have less green to work with and need the ball to stop quickly. If you have the option, a chip shot is much easier to perform than a pitch shot.

A chip shot is used from a few feet to about 25 yards, beyond that you are pitching.  When hitting a pitch shot make sure you are using a pitching wedge or a sand wedge. If you lack in distance, for longer pitch shot you can use a 9 iron. Use the following golf pitching tips to hit good pitch shots.

1. The most important thing to remember when hitting a pitch shot, is to hit down on the ball to get the ball up in the air. Beginner golfers often try to scoop or “lift” the ball up into the air. Producing an opposite result, failing to get the ball up into the air or blading it and sending it over the green.

2. Address the ball as you would with any iron shot and position the ball accordingly. The address for a pitch shot is similar to a chip shot – use an open, narrow stance with the ball just off your left heel, your hands forward and your weight slightly on your left side.

The difference with the pitch shot – is your stance is a bit wider, your feet should be about one foot apart and your stance will be less open than a chip shot (about 10% left of square).

3. The swing for a pitch shot is basically a long chip shot. However,  unlike the chip shot there will be some degree of wrist action needed.  Your legs and lower body need to be quiet, while your arms should be doing most of the work.

4. Vary your distance by – gripping up and down on the grip and varying the length of your swing. Do not vary your distance by changing the pace of your swing. Use your natural swing tempo, with a crisp and aggressive swing.

5.  like with any golf shot, planning is extremely important. Pick out a spot that you want to land the ball. On a harder faster surface you may need to land it short of the green. While, softer uphill shots you can land fairly close to the hole.

6. Use a practice swing to visualize the balls flight and imagine the ball landing in your desired spot.  This will help you in generating the correct feel.

Related articles

• Game Planning for Success on the Golf Course (rattleandhumsports.com)
• Get the ingredients right on the pitch shot (grantgarrisongolf.com)

Tags: Golf, Golf ball, Golf course, Golf stroke mechanics, Iron shot, Pitching wedge, Sand wedge, Sports