How to Increase Pitching Confidence in Your Golf Short Game
Golf Short Game Requires Consistent Practice
Like all things, the short game requires touch, feel and confidence. That comes from consistent practice.
Parallel Position of the Golf Backswing
One way you can learn that skill in pitching is to have in your mind a set position in the backswing, I like to call it the parallel position because the shaft is parallel to the ground. From this position vary the amount of power you want to put into the shot. Let me demonstrate. From a square club at address and a middle ball position I swing to the parallel position and hit the ball with a medium amount of power. Now I can hit it a little softer or a little harder depending on the situation that I have before me. Also, bear in mind that the position I am swinging to feels to me like it is parallel but it does not have to be truly parallel because it is a feeling that I need.
How to Hit Longer Pitch Shots
I can then move on to the longer pitch shot. Here my base position that I am looking for is a vertical one where the club is pointing up to the sky. Once again I can play that shot with a medium amount of power or I can play it softer or firmer. Let me show you the medium power shot, square clubface, ball in the center of the stance and I swing back to the vertical position with medium power. Once I have established my parallel or vertical base position I can add in the touch that comes from the practice.
Develop Confidence, Then Add a Variety of Shots to Your Short Game
When I am on the golf course I have a sense of feel for the shot that I have before me. By using these skills when you are practicing your pitching you can bring greater consistency on to the golf course. Then you can add to that consistency a variety of shots that you will experiment with once you have the basics right.