- A 30- or 40-yard pitch shot occupies an awkward middle ground for a lot of players, literally and figuratively. You have a variety of choices in terms of trajectory, and this can be confusing. You're hitting the ball in the air more than you would for a chip, but you don't use a full swing. That can produce mismatched swing mechanics.
- Many players intuitively understand that they need less force than for a full swing, but they dial back the power the wrong way. They freeze the body and make too big an arm swing--mostly because they've focused on the flag as their target instead of where they want the ball to land. The brain subconsciously knows that flying the ball to the flag is too far, so it tells the body to hang back and slow down through impact. That's a recipe for poor distance control at best and bladed or fat shots at worst.
- The goal on a pitch is to make consistent, predictable contact. That's how you develop a feel for distance. It starts with a good setup.
- Take a slightly closed stance and square up the face This makes it easier to start on the correct path. If you swing the club on plane from there, you'll be lined up to make the ball go at your target.
- On the backswing, let your right wrist hinge a little so the handle stays fairly close to you.
- Make sure you turn your body--proven here by the creases in my pants at the top of my right leg. On the downswing, turn toward the target, with your hips level at the finish Your hands and grip should finish close to your belt, the butt of the club almost in your left pocket. You'll create clubhead speed by turning your body and releasing your hands, not by tugging the handle.
- Other Stan Utley videos:
• Stan Utley - Pitching ...
• Stan Utley - Pitching ...
• Stan Utley Putting 5
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