How to Hit Super-Soft Pitch Shots
By Bill Herrfeldt
You finally decided to get a lob wedge with a 60 degree angle because you want to hit pitch shots that will fly high to the pin and stop on a dime. But the more you practice, the more you realize that you are hitting the ball too low and it is running away from the flagstick. As an amateur player, it is likely that you cannot impart the spin on the ball that the pros do routinely. Therefore, it is better to hit the ball higher--it will land on the green at a more vertical angle and the ball will stop, regardless of the backspin you generate.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Address the ball and keep it slightly in back of your stance. Most of your weight should be on the side closest to the target, and your shaft should be a bit ahead of the ball. Your club should be facing the target because, if you open it to give the ball more loft, the club is likely to bounce more at impact and you are likely to hit thin shots. A high pitch shot requires you to have soft hands, so loosen your grip on the club. Finally, your shoulders should be level with the ground.
Take the club back a little steeper than your normal swing and stop when your hands are just past your knee, hinging your wrists as you take the club back. Turn your hands slightly on your backswing so that at the top the toe of your wedge is pointing upwards.
Begin your downswing by turning slowly towards the target and allow your wrists to unhinge so that you will return your weight and clubhead to where they were at the address. If you do this correctly, the wedge will hit the bottom of the golf ball and it will send it high into the air towards the pin.
Don't quit on the shot. Most amateurs worry about hitting the ball over the green so they don't make a complete swing and often fail to reach the green. It is important that you finish your swing by swinging your arms and chest even after you have made contact with the ball.
Tips & Warnings
Practice this shot as part of your warm-up. Know how far you can hit this shot, and how hard you must swing for various distances.
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
