Pitching Wedge Golf Swing

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By Teresa Justine Kelly
Pitching Wedge Golf Swing
A pitch shot is defined as a full swing in miniature form using a high-lofted golf club. With the pitch shot, the ball stays airborne longer, it stops quickly and rolls a short distance after landing. The pitch shot is an approach shot for a range of 30 to 70 yards to the green for the average amateur golfer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate
Step 1
Play the ball in the center of your stance, narrowing your feet to about shoulder width apart, and stand slightly closer to the ball than you normally would.
Step 2
Place your hands and club ahead of the ball.
Step 3
Open your stance so that your feet and hips are slightly left of the target and your shoulders are square to the target.
Step 4
Place a little more of your weight on your forward foot (left foot for right-handed golfers).
Step 5
Bend at the waist and bend your knees slightly.
Step 1
Take your club back, hinging your wrists so that the shaft of your club is horizontal.
Step 2
Turn your hips slightly back without shifting your weight.
Step 3
Start your downswing, turning your hips toward the target and keeping a smooth, even tempo.
Step 4
Bring the club down and swing through the ball, keeping your hands and arms "quiet."
Step 5
Follow through the same distance you used on your backswing.

Tips & Warnings

Accurately judging your distance in pitching is important. Using a clock analogy, take the club back to 10 o'clock in the backswing, then to 2 o'clock on the downswing for a shot of about 100 yards. A 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock swing is a shot for about 80 yards, and an 8 o'clock to 4 o'clock swing is a shot for about 50 yards. Practice on the driving range to determine the appropriate swings for your pitch shots.
Timing is everything on the pitch swing. It requires less of a full swing, which makes the shot a little awkward for amateur golfers. Rhythm and tempo are keys to consistent pitching.

Resources

About The Author

Teresa Kelly graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She was an editor for seven years for several magazines and publishing houses. Kelly is an avid golfer, a well-known children's book and golf author, and is currently the president of Highview Press/Golfing Lady that produces all occasion golf greeting cards.
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