Best Way to Do the Normal Pitch Shot in Golf

This is the shot played with the wedge from distances up to 90 yds (85 m) from the flag. You may be able to hit the ball further with your wedge, but it is inadvisable, since this club is for precision shots. Your aim is not just to land the ball on the green; you want it to finish near the flag. Leave the longer wedge shots to the professionals.

Grip

The grip is the usual one, but with the hands about 1-1/2 in (40 mm) down the shaft to give the necessary control.

Stance

Stand with the feet about 15 in (40 cm) apart and the left foot slightly open (pointing slightly towards the target). In other words, the left foot is withdrawn about 3 in (75 mm) from the target line. The ball is centred in the stance.

Posture

Centre your weight on the balls of the feet. Let the arms hang loosely from the shoulders, with the left arm and the club shaft in line, which means that the hands are in front of the ball. Take care that, with the open stance, it is only the feet, knees and hips that point to the left and not the shoulders. Shoulder, chest and eyeline must be parallel to the target line, otherwise the ball is likely to fly to the left.

Movement

The forward press starts the club on the backswing with the wrists bending early in the movement, causing the club head to swing up in a narrow arc. The movement causes the weight to transfer to the inside of the right foot, with the left heel remaining on the ground, even though the shoulders have been pulled round 70 – 80°. On the downswing, the left arm pulls the club head down on the inside of the target line, and the left side accompanies the left arm as it passes through the hitting area and pulls the upper body through to the finish position, which must be in perfect balance.

The leg movement complements the arm swing, the open stance restricting leg and lower body movement on the backswing while allowing the shoulders to turn. On the downswing, the open stance encourages the movement of the legs, helping to keep everything in correct sequence and therefore returning the club head to its original position at impact.