Shanking pitches sometimes

Question
Just today, I had a lesson and talked with my coach about putting some more spin on the ball for 30-40 yard pitch shots. I'm trying to practice the "hinge and hold" method, and it is helping. However, he also said to open up the face of the club.. once I started doing that, I shanked a few.

However, the former reason why I used to shank pitches was because my swing plane was too flat. I'm taking the club a lot more upright now (like almost straight up on the backswing), but when I opened up my clubface it shanked.

So, I'm wondering if opening up the clubface a little too much could be the cause of the shanks I had today. Thanks!

Answer
Jeff:

Sorry for the trouble, the "S" word sucks.  It seems once we get it, we can't stop.  But, I have had great success helping my students understand why you might shank it.  Having the face open is not a cause.  Here are the things to check:

1.  Your balance.  If your weight moves out to your toes on the forward swing, you'll shank it.  
2.  Too much hand action.  You scared me a bit when you said you were trying to get more spin on your little wedges.  Hinge means more wrist cock.  That usually leads to incorrect hand action (too much hand action), which when incorretly applied, will get the clubhead out and around the ball so the hosel of the club strikes the ball first....a shank.  
3.  Are you too close to the ball at address?  This is the obvious one.  To check it, address the ball as normal, leave the clubhead behind the ball (don't pick it up), and just back up a couple of inches.  Make a swing and see what happens.  
4.  Too much in to out swing path.  This will get the clubhead moving out and around the ball as well, causing too much hand action to try to square the face, thus shanking it again.  

In your case Jeff, I would keep working on what you were coached to do, but I would back up a few inches, and then check your balance.  In the forward swing, your weight should move into the outside of the left foot, from the middle of the foot to the heel, NEVER THE TOES.  

Whatever you do, don't get too handsy and wristy in an effort to create spin.  Spin is gotten by hitting the ball solid and speed.  Speed is gotten with wedges more with your body rotation and arm swing, not hand action.  

Good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member