Introduction
Keeping Control and Accuracy
Judging Distance
Follow Through
Introduction
Although we can't drive with the power and accuracy of a
professional golfer, our short game can always use work.
So we decided that a section should be dedicated to
pitching the ball. Pitching is actually a little
different than any other swing. The trick is control of
length and accuracy.
Keeping Control and Accuracy
Beginner golfers make a very big mistake when pitching
the ball. They think that the pitching swing and a
regular iron swing are very much a like. In some ways
they are, but they are very very different. The major
fault that beginners make is that they think that the
power of the pitching stroke come from their wrists and
they swing mainly with their wrists. Wrong! A wristy
swing normally results in a loss of control.
How do you keep the control and accuracy? Well, to swing a pitching wedge, you set up like you would for a normal iron shot. The ball should be placed centered between your legs. The swing should only be a 75% swing. (By hitting with 75% of your normal swing, you have more control and accuracy in your swing.)
The second thing that you can do, is not to have a "wristy swing." To do this, try not to use your wrists through the beginning of the swing and only bend your wrists toward the top of the swing (the slot position.)
Judging Distance
Once you know how hard to swing to get a certain distance
out of a swing, you have to learn how to judge the
distance from you to your target. There is no technique
to do this, so I can't give you any sure fire way to
judge the distance to your target. It only comes with
trial ad error.
Follow Through
When swing a pitching wedge, you are swinging with less
power than a normal swing. Because of the decrease in
power, it seems that you should stop the swing right
after contact the ball. And that could lead to shanking
the ball and other poor shots. This is why, it is
important that you swing through the ball. Also, when
swinging a wedge, it is important that the weight
transfer occurs. If it doesn't occur, then the stroke is
stiff and can again lead to disaster.