Best Way to Practice the Normal Pitch Shot in Golf

The successful normal pitch is a stroke-saver for golfers at all levels, enabling you to land the ball near the flag with a possible one-putt finish. For the beginner, a successful normal pitch will at least never miss the green.

The shot itself is the first example of the normal swing, with weight transference to the right foot on the backswing. The amount of backswing is less than the full swing movement, making it necessary to have the stance slightly open, which ensures that no slackness creeps into the movement and keeps every part of the movement in its correct chronological sequence.

When you use the short-shafted, heavy-headed wedge, it is all too easy to force or rush the shot, which tends to close the club face and change the swing line, often sending the ball long and to the left. The open stance helps create tautness in the backswing and encourages left-side dominance, thus ensuring that your ball never starts to the left.

Practicing the normal pitch

First, be sure that the distance you want to achieve doesn’t necessitate your having to hit the ball hard, thereby causing a loss of precision. Create good rhythm and timing by taking a sufficient number of practice swings, all the time imagining the successful flight and bounce of the ball.

Play ten or twelve balls at a time at the same target, being sure to go through your normal pre-swing routine before every shot.

When you have succeeded in landing most of the balls in the same area, experi­ment by changing the ball’s position in your stance and by altering the steepness of the backswing, in order to see how your ball trajectory changes. However, be sure to allow the loft of the club to create the height, always striking the ball first and the ground afterwards. Never try to scoop the ball into the air

Create feedback by comparing the length and steepness of your swing with the length and height of the ball flight. This will give you valuable experience which you can use to advantage when playing out on the course. This will also teach you the necessary feeling for this shot.

Every practice session, no matter what club you are using, should be concluded with a series of pitch shots, leaving you with a feeling of success before putting your clubs away.