As you
can see, the pitching
shot swing is
between 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. The speed will
gradually increase during the downswing reaching its peak at
impact at approximately 6 o'clock.
I
consider the pitching shot is the 3rd swing in golf. It is usually done
with either the pitching
wedge or the sand wedge and the resulting shot has a relatively high
trajectory. A rule of thumb is to carry the ball 2/3 of the
distance in the air and let it roll the other 1/3. Again the
swing is initiated with the shoulders and ranges
from about 9 o'clock to about 3 o'clock. Make sure your hands
stay ahead of the clubhead throughout the forward swing
(no breaking of your wrists). It is similar to the chipping
swing but only longer as seen in the photos below.
The
Set Up:
Your
stance and
body position should be narrower and more open (facing the target) than
for a full shot.
Grip
down on the
club for better control and play the ball closer to the feet.
Position the ball inside the left heel so it
is struck while the club is traveling on a slightly downward
path.
The
upper body,
arms and hands should be relaxed so they can be influenced by the
movement of the shoulders.
The
Pitching Swing:
Backswing:
The arms go half way back to about 9
o'clock.
The extention of
the left arm
is maintained as the arms and hands respond to the initial movement of
the shoulders. The wrist cock is a natural result of
the swinging motion of the arms and hands.
Weight Transfer:
There
is a slight weight transfer resulting from a larger
backswing than the chip shot.
Forwardswing:
The
forward swing is initiated by a lateral movement of the left leg
followed by a rotary action of the legs and hips toward the
target.
Be sure
to maintain your posture and arm extension after impact.
At
impact:
The ball is contacted while the club is
travelling slightly downward just prior to the bottom of the swing.
Notice the extention of the arms at impact
and the weight more on the left foot.
Follow
through:
During the follow through maintain the
same hand position and arm extention as at impact (no breaking of the
wrist) with the hands pointing towards the target.
The amount of followthrough with the body should be
proportionate to and coordinated with the speed of
the swing.
You
can see that both arms are fully extended
for better control and accuracy. The weight
shift is completed with most of the weight now on
the left foot.
The knees
are closer together at this point due to the rotation in the follow
through.
Length of
the Swing:
Notice the extention of
the left arm as the swing is almost at the 9 o'clock position.
Here the followthrough
is almost at 3 o'clock and the weight has shifted to the left side
with the body turned more toward the target.
