This title sounds like so many other tips in golf that we say - really thanks genius I haven't heard that before.....and just let it pass in one ear and out the other, however, this is so important to understand when pitching a ball in the air. For those of you TRYING to hit the ball up in the air time and time again without having consistent success you need to keep reading.
There are three set-up keys before hitting a successful pitch shot:
Key #1: Play your ball position in the center to slightly forward in relation to your feet
Key #2: Open your stance by positioning your body left of the intended target line
Key #3: At set-up favor weight onto your front foot (about 55%) and keep it there during the backswing
A pitch shot requires hitting on a descending angle down to the ball vs. swinging up through the hit and TRYING to help the ball take some flight, this is called scooping. Here are pitching positions that will vault your pitching upwards...
Club selection is key to distance control along with the proper backswing and follow through length. I suggest the following practice drills:
1st Position drill: 9:00 - 3:00
2nd Position drill: Left arm/Right arm parallel to the ground
3rd Position drill: Full swing at 80%
Each of these positions will enable you to learn how far you hit your pitch shots. Club selection from each of these positions will dictate distance the ball will fly and roll.
Example: Player A has a PW, GAP W, and SW, thus they should be able to hit 9 different distances
Improve your pitching today by taking these positions out to the practice tee and work ten minutes a day in front of a mirror until these positions ingrain into muscle memory.
Best of luck around the short game area and on the course,
