How to Hit a Perfect Pitch Shot in Golf

The pitch shot is a high trajectory approach shot played from within 100 yards of the green. This shot is often used to carry hazards guarding the green. A well hit pitch shot features very little roll once on the green.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• high lofted club; 9 iron through lob wedge.

1. Modify your setup to create a formula for getting the ball in the air.

2. Position the ball forward in your stance just off your left heel. This ball position will promote a higher trajectory.

3. Take a slighty open stance towards the target with the feet about a foot apart. Place about 60% of your weight on the front foot. The butt of the club shaft should also be slightly left of the belly button.

4. On the backswing, quickly establish a 90 degree angle between the left arm and the club shaft.

5. On the downswing, always hit down on the ball and avoid "scooping". Hitting down on the ball will launch it into the air.

6. Through impact, maintain straight arms and allow the club to finish in a high position while allowing the body to follow the hands and arms through the shot.

7. During the swing, maintain a quiet lower body action. The hips and legs should not move. The arms will do most of the work.

8. To control the distance the ball travels adjust the length of the backswing while always accelerating through the ball on the downswing to get varying distances. Or, change club selection and always make the same backswing. The club selection (loft) will determine the distance using the latter method for distance control.

Tips & Warnings

• Always accelerate through the downswing.
• Practice using higher lofted clubs such as a sand wedge.
• Always hit down on the ball.
• Let the hands and arms do the work. The body should be quiet and follow.
• Avoid trying to help the ball into the air. Doing so will not produce the desired result.