Short Game · Lesson
Pitching Basics: Setup and Turn
Part of our short game programs for distance control. Build a program with it
A pitch flies most of the way and rolls very little. That's the opposite of a chip. Set up with your feet a little wider than for a chip. Open your stance slightly. Keep your weight even. For the motion, let your body drive it. Your arms stay connected to your chest. Turn your shoulders and core back, like a small full swing. Add a little wrist hinge. Then turn through.
Step by step
- Widen your stance a bit.
- Open it slightly.
- Keep your weight even.
- Turn your shoulders and core back.
- Add a little hinge and turn through.
Why it works
A pitch needs more height and carry than a chip, so the club must move through a longer arc with more speed. Turning your shoulders and core moves the club while your arms stay connected to your chest, so the face and path stay consistent. A wider stance and even weight give you a steady base to turn around, and a little wrist hinge adds the extra loft and speed without a hand flip.
Common mistakes
- You move the club with just your hands and arms.Keep your arms close to your chest and let the turn of your shoulders and core move the club back and through.
- You lean back or sway to the side to help the ball up.Keep your weight even and turn around a steady center, and let the loft of the wedge lift the ball.
- You stop turning at impact and the club flips past your hands.Keep turning your chest through the shot until it faces the target, with the club moving along with it.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball flies most of the way to the target and rolls out only a little after it lands.
- You strike the ball first and then brush the turf, with a shallow divot after the ball.
- Your chest faces the target at the finish and you stay balanced without stepping or falling back.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Take a shorter backswing and hold your finish, so you can feel the turn without worrying about distance.
Harder: Pick a landing spot and hit several balls to different distances by changing only the size of your turn.
Common questions
What is the difference between a chip and a pitch?
A chip flies a short way and rolls most of the distance. A pitch flies most of the distance and rolls very little, so it uses a wider stance and a bigger turn.
How much should I hinge my wrists on a pitch shot?
Use a little hinge, enough to feel the club get lighter at the top of a small backswing. The turn of your body should still do most of the work.
