Pitching


Pitching is the most written about part of golf. There is more instruction on this subject than almost any other. I guess that's because it is difficult to teach some one the amount of force that's needed to hit a wedge 93 yards or hit one 15 feet. Of course, you need to know the exact amount of force for everything in between also. Don't forget sand shots which are pitches as well. Quite a few variables in this part of the game, kind of like putting.

I won't say that you can't learn techniques that will help, I'm just saying that pitching needs a lot more practice than other parts of the game. You will need to practice a great deal to see improvement. But when you put in the effort, the results are more than worth it.

I advocate the small swing theory. A small swing is a controlled exercise that teaches you to synchronize all parts of the swing. By minimizing the travel of the arms to a half a swing, you begin to experience feel with leverage.

Try this at the range or wherever you can hit balls. Prepare to hit a shot using an 8 iron. Put on your best grip and take a normal stance. Pick out a short target and use your normal pre-shot routine every time you strike a ball. When you make your backswing, limit your arm travel to no higher than 3 o'clock. This means that your arms do not go past parallel to the ground on the take away. Your wrists should fully hinge so that the club shaft is pointing straight up. After you strike the ball, limit your arms to 9 o'clock, with the shaft pointing up. Both sides should be mirror images of each other.

Hit 50 shots like this with an even tempo. Try to hit them all exactly the same. Strive to feel fluid and confident. Feel the parts working together in harmony and synchronize at the point of impact.

After this experiment with 25 balls. Try using a little more force with the right index finger just before impact. See what effect that has on distance. After you hit this 25 balls, hit 25 more with a consistent, fluid tempo.

Practice this drill with other clubs until you become proficient with a wedge. A sand wedge is a very useful club and will ultimately prove its worth if you practice the small swing.


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