The Pitch Shot is Played with a Shorter Swing Length

The pitch shot is probably the most difficult shot for most golfers to play consistently because of the shorter than full swing length required.

It is a step away from the chip shot ranging in distances from 20 yards to 70 yards of the green.

Played with a longer swing the aim of this shot is to get the ball up high to land softly on the green with less roll than the chip shot.

You only need to watch the pro’s on television play these shots to be put to shame.Tour players aim to get the ball within 3 yards of the hole from 70 yards out meanwhile most amateurs are satisfied with being anywhere on the green.

On a less than full swings most amateurs simple lack confidence and lose their timing. Lifting the body is very common.

Timing and tempo are essential keys to playing consistent pitch shots.

A pitch shot is often confused with a chip shot. It is best to see the pitch shot as a longer swing than a chip swing.

When the wrists start to hinge in the back swing the shot becomes a pitch shot.

Developing solid technique is the first step to
mastering the pitch shot.

Feet are closer together or inside the shoulders. The ball is played from the center of the stance with the feet slightly open to the target.

Your weight should be a little more on the left foot
and not transfer in the back swing. A good feeling here is to push your left hip over your left foot. This will firm up the left side.

Now you need to practice different length swings. In the photo I have swung back to about chest height and have finished chest high. This shot for me will go about 60 to 70 yards, but not necessarily the same distance for you.

Practice different length swings, marking off your distances the shot travels. This way you will know how much to swing in a situation when it arrives.

Remember power is not needed here but accuracy is, so swing with rhythm.

There is no need for any excessive lower body movement.
Ways of working out your back swing length are to use your body as reference points. For example I use the hips and chest as references.

With my students I suggest to them to swing their hands back to the hips and down through to the hips, and the same for the chest.

One last word, trust the loft of your club to do the work, there is no need to help the ball into the air.

Also take a look at these pitching tips.

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