Setting up for a pitch shot is slightly different than a chip shot or a full swing. Here are some set up details that you want to get right.
Club Selection:
Club selection for a pitch shot can vary based on what type of shot you want to hit. Remember that a pitch shot can come off the club lower and roll more once it lands, or higher
off the club where it will stop more quickly. I would say your most common clubs to hit this shot would be PW, GW, or SW.
That being said, you could use a 9 iron or a LW in certain situations.
Stance Width:
Stance width for a pitch shot should be pretty narrow. More narrow than shoulder width apart for your feet. Also, you should flare your front foot (left foot for a right handed golfer)
slightly open to the target.
Why: We do not need a very wide stance for a pitch shot as we are not generating a ton of speed and therefore do not need a wide base. A more narrow base will also make it easier to
control the low point of the golf swing which is critical for good contact. A narrow base also will promote rotation which is also important for pitch shots.
Ball position:
Ball position for a pitch shot should be middle of the stance to slightly back in the stance depending on the trajectory of the shot that you are trying to hit. If you would like a lower or
flatter trajectory, put the ball slightly further back in your stance. For a normal or higher trajectory play the ball in the middle of your stance.
Why: Ball position is critical to achieve the correct angle of attack and club path. We want to make sure that the club is traveling down when it hits the ball, but does not come in too
steep.
Club Shaft Position:
Club shaft position is very important for pitch shots. We want the club slightly leaned towards the target. I also suggest that you choke down approximately one inch on the grip to
hold the club slightly shorter.
Why: A club shaft that is slightly leaned towards the target will help the club come into the ball at the correct angle. By choking down a little bit you will have better control.
Posture and spine tilt:
Your posture (forward tilt) for a pitch shot should be the same as it is with other clubs in terms of how far you are leaned forward.
Your spine tilt should be pretty vertical for this shot. There will always be a slight tilt away from the target as your trail hand will be on the club lower than your lead hand which will
tilt you a little bit, however we do not want to add any extra spine tilt to your set up.
Why: We want your posture(forward tilt) to be consistent with all your clubs. With the spine tilt close to vertical you will allow for a steeper angle of attack with the path travelling more to the left than most shots.
Body lines:
Make sure that your stance, knees, hips, forearms and shoulders are slightly open (Left for a right handed golfer) to your target line.
Why: For a pitch shot we want to promote rotation to the left through impact(right handed golfer). By setting up a little open, this rotation is easier.
Weight distribution:
At set up, your weight should be between 55-60% front vs. 40-45% back. Why: If your weight is slightly forward it is easier to strike the ball first.
Clubface Position:
Clubface should be set up slightly open to the target line Why: Remember that are body lines are slightly left(right handed golfer) on this shot to
promote rotation and a swing path to left at impact. If the path is left, we need the clubface to be slightly open to the path to create a straight shot.
Opening the clubface a touch at set up will also help to prevent the golf club from digging at impact as it will expose the bounce of the club
a little bit more.
Remember, always check your set up and keep it simple.
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