The Pitching Grip For Golf Clubs

Use your orthodox grip for the pitch shot, but grip down the shaft. This will give you more control of the club head and improve your feel for the shot. Usually you pitch with a pitching wedge, but if you need to play a shot that flies higher and stops quicker, use either sand or lob wedge. Grip further down the shaft for fuller feel and control on pitch shots.

Hold the club gently, you do not want tension in your arms, they need to feel relaxed, loose and fluid, to help with touch and feel. A pitch is not as mechanical as a full shot; it is more about natural instincts and flair. But do not be so relaxed that you quit on the shot. Make sure you make a full follow through.

As the emphasis is on accuracy rather than power, there is no need for any excessive lower body action. You should control the shot by rotating your upper body back and through.

The ball is simply left to get in the way of the swing. Good tempo is necessary, if you are an anxious pitcher it is easy to fall into the trap of rushing the shot. You do not want to mollycoddle the ball towards the hole, either.

Pitch shots must be played authoritatively. Watch the world’s top players and you will see that they commit totally to the shot, safe in the knowledge that the narrow stance, shorter backswing and lofted club will prevent them from hitting the ball too far.

You can improve your mental attitude towards pitching by viewing it as an attacking option, rather than as merely a recovery shot. Good pitching will not only help you save pars but will also help you to pick up birdies on par fives and short par fours. However, before you can land the ball on a dime from 50 yards, you must first develop a solid technique.