How To Hit A Pitch Shot

The pitch is a shot that goes flying high up in the air and the lands without gaining too height. This strategy is used in golf to cover small distances across hurdles like water or bunkers that keep a golfer from reaching the target in the least number of strokes. This shot is performed to get successful salvage pars and birdies. The distance gained in a pitch shot can vary from 50 - 100 yards.

This type of shot can come in handy when your ball gets stuck in the following on-ground scenario:
- When the ball is sitting above or standing on the grass in an upward position
- When the ball is found to be wedged fairly in a thin rough and When the ball is in the deep rough.
Hitting a perfect pitch shot to reach the greens can be quite a difficult task for many players. But for all those who are eager to learn how to hit a pitch shot here are some tips;

1) Practice with a sand wedge or a pitching wedge to get your shot accurate. These will help get the loft correct and high. If the ball does not go the desired distance then a 9 iron club can be used to practice with.

2) Hit down on the ball to get it flying into the air.

3) When the ball is hit make sure to have the butt of the club pointing at towards the left-side of your belly button and the ball is positioned not at the center of your feet but a little towards your left foot so as to have it right opposite your left chest. This stance will make it easier to loft the ball into the air.

4) Try to create a 90 degree angle between the club's shaft and your left arm on the back-swing as quick as possible.

5) Quickly get the club-head higher than your hands as swiftly as possible and on the way down hit down on the ball with the club's shaft leaning into the target.

6)Newton's 3rd law will come to your rescue. Remember to get the ball flying into the air hit down on the ball and if you try to lift the ball up or scoop it, the ball will further dig into the ground.

7) Keep your arms straight upon impact until a pull towards the target is felt.

8) Move your arms and club together. A sign of good posture is felt when your weight shifts to the inner side of your right foot as your club goes up for the back-swing and a weight shift to the left leg as it comes back down to hit the ball.

9) Do not try to force your body into the shot. Try to swing quicker if your body swings excessively on swinging to maintain the balance of the body.

10) The shot will gain height and find the right patch of green to land upon if all the above mentioned steps are perfectly followed. With lots of practice and patience one can perfect the pitch shot quite easily.

By following these easy to practice tips, you will be well on your way to perfecting your pitch shot.