FAULT NO.53 Pitching - poor setup

I define a pitch shot as one of 60 yards or less that travels further through the air than it rolls on the ground. A standard pitch shot is normally played with a wedge or a sand-wedge - the ball is lofted reasonably high up into the air, and depending on the surface of the green, will then roll a few feet upon landing. As always, it is the way that you set up to the ball that determines the shape and consistency of the swing you are able to make.

The majority of the problems that I see players struggle with stem from the fact that they tend to set up to a pitch in exactly the same way they would make a full swing. They align their body parallel with the ball-to-target line; far a pitch shot your lower body should be set slightly 'open' in relation to that line.

If you should mistakenly set up square to the target, the chances of you being consistent, both in terms of distance and direction, are slim. Because of the short-length swing that characterizes a normal pitch, you won't have time to square the clubface with the rotation of your body. Instead, to get the ball started on line, you are forced to manipulate the clubhead with your hands.

FIX NO.53
Pre-set the perfect impact position

In order to strike your shots solidly, certain criteria must be met at impact. Specifically, your lower body should be open in relation to the target line, while your hands should be ahead of the ball.

The best way that I know to ensuring that these conditions are met on a regular basis is to preset them at address. Accordingly, take a fairly narrow stance, and set your lower body a little open (aligned left) to the target line. (Your shoulders and the clubface, meanwhile, should be square.) Position the ball just forward of middle in your feet, so that your hands lie comfortably ahead. Finally, settle approximately 60 per cent of your weight on your left side, flex your knees and push them gently toward the target.

This setup is essentially the position that you want to achieve at impact. Rehearse it in front of a mirror; get used to the feeling of 'impact'. Taking it from here you can then swing confidently and hit quality pitch shots.