Synchronize your pitching!
Many golfers get confused
between the chipping and pitching motion. Chipping is a motion that produces little air time and
more ground time for the ball. The ball is usually Close
to the edge of the green. We are talking up to 30 FEET from it. It is a
precision motion with one source of power - the shoulders. Here is an easy way
to avoid any confusion; just remember C & C. Chipping/Close.
Pitching is a different
story. Pitching is the motion that produces more air time and less ground time for
the ball. The ball is further from the edge of the green. We are talking
20,30,40,50 YARDS. It is still a precision motion but requires more power. The
main source of power will be the Pivot of your body. Here is an easy way to avoid any confusion;
just remember P & P. Pitching/Pivot.
You can think of the
pitching motion as a mini version of your full swing. Here is the pre-swing
set-up (BPGA) I recommend for
a plain vanilla pitching motion. Place the Ball in the center of your stance, take your full
swing Posture with the weight
even on your feet, take the full swing Grip i.e. in the fingers, and finally Aim the club face at the target. You are ready to
swing.
During the swing motion,
you have to picture and feel that your elbows bones are glued to your hips
bones. They will move at the same rate that your hips rotate. They are
synchronized. The arm swing will be limited to hips high on the back and the
forward swing. Find out how far the ball carries with your 3 wedges (pw, sw,
60w). This will make the decision making a lot easier, taking the guesswork out
of the equation when you will need the ball to go over water or a sand trap.
You will land it close to the hole and save your par with an easy one putt.
Level one pitching; you don’t
even need to hinge your wrists. This is a very safe shot because there are very
few moving parts. Level two pitching; you could hinge your writs on the back
and the forward swing producing a higher trajectory and more distance.
A very efficient way to practice
the synchronize pitching motion is using two clubs (see picture). The idea is
to maintain the same distance between the butt end of the clubs and the club heads
as you swing back and through.
Try this Pitching/Pivot
motion and let me know how it works for you.
Go and have fun! Realize
your golfing potential!
Claude Brousseau PGA
Senior Teaching Professional
Kapalua Land Company, Ltd.
1000 Office Road
Lahaina, HI 96761
claude.brousseau@kapalua.com
Phone 808-665-5476
Cel 808-870-1422
Fax 808-669-8522
kapalua.com
