Pitching is used when in and around the green. It is a very useful part of your short game. This type of shot is mainly used in three different situations, when on the green fringe or short grass around the green, when an object is in your path when hitting onto the green and when approaching the green from the fairway.

Hitting From the fringe or Short Grass

This shot is very similar to the chip shot. For more information on chipping visit our Chipping section. The only difference is with the pitch shot has more loft and rolls along the ground less. The technical side of this shot is very simple. But before you even think about about the stance ect, you need to visualize the shot. Then take your stance, with your feet slightly closer together than usual. The club face should be open here. Concentrate on the target, and look at the ball. Slowly swing back, with a slight bend in the wrists. Then swing forward, and scoop the ball up in the air. It is important you you keep looking at the ball. When trying to scoop the ball up, it is so easy to hit the ground before the ball. It is a common mistake to hit the ground then to nudge the ball forward, leading to a extra shot, frustration and decreased confidence. More advanced players may want to put spin on the ball. For information on this visit our Spin section. However, I would advise beginners to putt when ever possible, as you will have much greater control over the ball. You should still practise these shots, as you will use them, once you become more experienced.

Hitting Over Obstacles

This is very useful when hitting onto the green over a bunker for example. The main problem here is the mental process involved in this shot. For more information on this read our Game Mentality section. So, for the technical side of the shot. First, as per usual, visualize your shot. This is especially important in this type of situation. When hitting over a bunker for instance, you need to concentrate on getting the ball on to the green,as opposed to just not getting the ball in the bunker. The more you concentrate on the bunker, the more likely it is that you will end up in it. This is why a good mental attitude, such as one that is discussed in the Game Mentality section, is important. So, visualize your shot first concentrating on exactly where the ball will end up. Then take your normal stance, but with your knees more bent than usual. Open up your club face, and take a full swing this time. Again it is imperative that you keep looking at the ground even after the ball has gone. Another problem beginners tend to have, is that they get excited and want to see if they have cleared the bunker. This causes them to look up, and then to top the ball.If you stick to these guidelines, you will clearing the bunkers with no problems. More advanced players may wish to put backspin on the ball. For more information on this, visit our Spin section.

Approach Shots

Although these shots are over a larger distance, they are still technically a pitch shot, although the approach is used a lot more. Therefore, we have given it a designated section. For more information on approach shots, visit our Approach Shots section.