Weekly Golf Tip as seen in The Winnipeg Sun --

September 4th , 2007

Soft Hands Key to Pitch Shot

One of the most used shots in golf is the pitch shot — a shot that requires the golfer to hit the ball up in the air and land softly on the green, and roll close to the hole, from inside 40 yards.

See pictures 1 and 2. From the face on angle, you will notice the shaft of the club and my spine are leaning forward towards the target and there is more weight on my target (left) leg. You can see that the ball position is forward in the stance and off my left heel. This set up will allow me to hit down slightly — catching the ball and ground at exactly the same time.

I want to focus on returning the shaft back to this position at impact. I am using my most lofted wedge for this shot — either a sand wedge or lob wedge.

Once we are set up properly, then you can swing back and through looking at the target trying to get a feel for the length and speed of the swing require for your shot distance. Try imagining you are throwing a ball underhand to the target to get the feel for the length of swing required. Also, focus on having good rhythm and tempo during your practice swings and during the shot. Notice in the photos 3, 4 and 5, how relaxed and soft the hands, wrists and arms are during the pitch shot. Also, notice how the body pivots and turns during the shot just the same as if I were throwing the ball underhand towards the target.

Also, focus on having good rhythm and tempo during your practice swings and during the shot. Notice in the photos 3, 4 and 5, how relaxed and soft the hands, wrists and arms are during the pitch shot. Also, notice how the body pivots and turns during the shot just the same as if I were throwing the ball underhand towards the target. This will allow the golfer to have great feel and touch for the distance. Tension and stiffness will make it very difficult to hit the shot solid, consistently.

In picture 6, notice how the belt bucket faces the target, the back (right) foot is off the ground, and the arms are soft and relaxed.

Derek Ingram is the Head Teaching Professional at the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is a past winner of the Canadian PGA's Teacher of the Year and one of the top High Performance Golf Coaches in the World.

- Derek Ingram