Pitching

 

The pitch shot is basically a big chip shot. The pitch shot is used from about 20 yards away from the green potentially up to 100 yards.  Your maximum pitch shot is going to be your full swing. The pitch shot shares the same fundamentals as the chip shot.

 

1. No wrists.
2. The speed of the stroke is a constant.
3. The length of backswing determines the distance the ball rolls.

The differences between the chip and pitch are:

1. The shoulders take the club back, the hips bring the club down.

kidpitch_backswing.JPG (58663 bytes)     kidpitch_followthru.JPG (55338 bytes)

Notice that his hips barely move on the backswing, but face the target on the follow-through. Since the pitch shot flies further, we need the hips to supply the power.   Without the hips, it's just a chip shot.

2.  The right foot should move onto it's toe as the hips turn though.

kidfull_extend.JPG (57847 bytes)

Take a look at how well the arms are extended.  The wrist do not swing the club, the hips and shoulders are in charge.

Perhaps the most important thing that you need to know about the golf swing is that we do not try to scoop the ball off of the ground.  We try to pound the ball into the ground!  If you follow the guidelines of the chip and pitch shot, you will naturally hit down on the ball.  If the hands are in front of the clubhead you will strike down on the ball.

kidfull_impact.JPG (46184 bytes)

If your hands are behind the clubhead, your in trouble!

kidchip_wrist.JPG (68159 bytes)

Really bad!

kidfull_extend.JPG (57847 bytes)

Really good!

This is why you need your parents permission to practice in the yard.   If you do it properly, you will destroy the grass.  Remember, someday your parents will be giving you money to go to college, don't mess with your future.

 

Putting Chipping Pitching Sand

 

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