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The Stroke:
The Pitching Shot:
As you can see, the pitching shot swing is
between 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. The speed will
gradually increase during the downswing reaching
its peak at impact at approximately 6 o'clock.
I consider the pitching shot is the 3rd swing in
golf. It is usually done with either the
pitching wedge or the sand wedge and the
resulting shot has a relatively high trajectory.
A rule of thumb is to carry the ball 2/3 of the
distance in the air and let it roll the other
1/3. Again the swing is initiated with the
shoulders and ranges from about 9 o'clock to
about 3 o'clock. Make sure your hands stay ahead
of the clubhead throughout the forward swing
(no breaking of your wrists). It is similar to
the chipping swing but only longer as seen in
the photos below.
The Set Up:
Your stance and body position should be narrower
and more open (facing the target) than for a
full shot.
Grip down on the club for better control and
play the ball closer to the feet.
Position the ball inside the left heel so it is
struck while the club is traveling on a slightly
downward path.
The upper body, arms and hands should be relaxed
so they can be influenced by the movement of the
shoulders.
The Pitching Swing:
Backswing:
The arms go half way back to about 9 o'clock.
The extention of the left arm is maintained as
the arms and hands respond to the initial
movement of the shoulders. The wrist cock is a
natural result of the swinging motion of the
arms and hands.
Weight Transfer:
There is a slight weight transfer resulting
from a larger backswing than the chip shot.
Forwardswing:
The forward swing is initiated by a lateral
movement of the left leg followed by a rotary
action of the legs and hips toward the target.
Be sure to maintain your posture and arm
extension after impact.
At impact:
The ball is contacted while the club is
travelling slightly downward just prior to the
bottom of the swing.
Notice the extention of the arms at impact and
the weight more on the left foot.
Follow through:
During the follow through maintain the same hand
position and arm extention as at impact (no
breaking of the wrist) with the hands pointing
towards the target. The amount of followthrough
with the body should be proportionate to and
coordinated with the speed of the swing.
You can see that both arms are fully extended
for better control and accuracy. The weight
shift is completed with most of the weight now
on the left foot.
The knees are closer together at this point due
to the rotation in the follow through.
Length of the Swing:
Notice the extention of the left arm as the
swing is almost at the 9 o'clock position.
Here the followthrough is almost at 3 o'clock
and the weight has shifted to the left side with
the body turned more toward the target.
Happy Golfing!!!
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