Pitching
is the most written about part of golf. There is more instruction
on this subject than almost any other. I guess that's because it
is difficult to teach some one the amount of force that's needed
to hit a wedge 93 yards or hit one 15 feet. Of course, you need
to know the exact amount of force for everything in between also.
Don't forget sand shots which are pitches as well. Quite a few variables
in this part of the game, kind of like putting.
I
won't say that you can't learn techniques that will help, I'm just
saying that pitching needs a lot more practice than other parts
of the game. You will need to practice a great deal to see improvement.
But when you put in the effort, the results are more than worth
it.
I
advocate the small swing theory. A small swing is a controlled exercise
that teaches you to synchronize all parts of the swing. By minimizing
the travel of the arms to a half a swing, you begin to experience
feel with leverage.
Try
this at the range or wherever you can hit balls. Prepare to hit
a shot using an 8 iron. Put on your best grip and take a normal
stance. Pick out a short target and use your normal pre-shot routine
every time you strike a ball. When you make your backswing, limit
your arm travel to no higher than 3 o'clock. This means that your
arms do not go past parallel to the ground on the take away. Your
wrists should fully hinge so that the club shaft is pointing straight
up. After you strike the ball, limit your arms to 9 o'clock, with
the shaft pointing up. Both sides should be mirror images of each
other.
Hit
50 shots like this with an even tempo. Try to hit them all exactly
the same. Strive to feel fluid and confident. Feel the parts working
together in harmony and synchronize at the point of impact.
After
this experiment with 25 balls. Try using a little more force with
the right index finger just before impact. See what effect that
has on distance. After you hit this 25 balls, hit 25 more with a
consistent, fluid tempo.
Practice
this drill with other clubs until you become proficient with a wedge.
A sand wedge is a very useful club and will ultimately prove its
worth if you practice the small swing.
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