How to Hit a Pitch Shot
Also known as: hit a pitch shot, hitting a pitch shot, pitch shot technique, 40 yard pitch shot, 30 yard pitch shot, pitching technique, how to pitch the ball, technique for a pitch shot
Set up with a narrow stance, the ball in the middle and a little more weight on your lead foot. Hinge your wrists as you turn back, then turn your chest through to a finish as long as your backswing. Control distance with the length of the swing, not by hitting harder.
A pitch is a mini version of the full swing. Use a pitching, gap, sand or lob wedge depending on how high and far the ball must fly. Stand with your feet a little narrower than for a full shot and open your stance slightly. That gives your hips room to turn through. Grip down an inch or so for control.
In the backswing, let the wrists hinge naturally as the arms swing back and the body turns. Through the ball, turn your chest toward the target and keep the club moving at a steady pace. Let the sole of the club brush the turf under the ball. The finish should match the backswing in length. A short backswing with an accelerating finish works better than a long backswing that slows down.
For distance control, many golfers use the clock system. They swing the lead arm back to set points such as 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 and learn how far each one carries with each wedge. Keep the tempo the same and let the length change the distance. For a higher, softer pitch, open the face and play the ball slightly forward. For a lower one, move it slightly back.
Tips by skill level
Practice three swing lengths with one wedge and pace off how far each carries. Write the numbers down and take them to the course.
Use the same three swing lengths with each of your wedges. A few repeatable motions then give you a full chart of distances.
Example
Faced with a 35-yard pitch over a bunker, she grips down on her gap wedge and sets her weight slightly forward. She swings her lead arm back to about 9 o'clock and turns through to a matching finish. The ball lands softly just past the bunker.
Why it matters
Pitches inside 60 yards come up often in a round. A repeatable method with length-based distance control saves strokes quickly.
Common mistakes
- Making a long backswing and then slowing down into the ball
- Trying to lift the ball with the hands instead of turning through
- Keeping the body still and swinging only the arms
- Changing tempo to control distance instead of changing length
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a 40-yard pitch shot?
Use a narrow stance with the ball in the middle and your weight slightly forward. Swing your lead arm back to about 9 o'clock with your wrists hinged, then turn through to a matching finish. Fine-tune the length in practice.
How do I control distance on pitch shots?
Change the length of the swing and keep the tempo the same. Many golfers learn three backswing lengths with each wedge and note how far each one carries.
Should I hinge my wrists on a pitch shot?
Yes. Unlike a chip, a pitch uses a natural wrist hinge in the backswing. That adds height and lets the club release through the ball.
Related terms
- PitchingPitching is a mid-range short-game shot, usually from 30–100 yards, that carries the ball most of the way to the target. It uses a descending blow and controlled spin.
- Chip vs PitchA chip flies low, spends more time rolling than flying and uses a short stroke with little wrist hinge. A pitch flies higher, carries most of the way and uses a longer swing with wrist hinge. Chip when you have green to work with, and pitch when you must carry rough, a bunker or a slope.
- Wrist HingeWrist hinge is the upward cocking of the wrists in the backswing. It creates the angle between the lead arm and shaft, storing energy to release at impact.
- DecelerationDeceleration is when the club slows down through impact instead of accelerating past the ball. It commonly causes mishits on chips, pitches, and bunker shots.
- Gap WedgeThe gap wedge, usually 50° to 52° of loft, fills the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. Some brands call it an approach wedge, or A-wedge.
- Bounce (Wedge)Bounce is the downward angle built into a wedge's sole that helps it glide through sand or turf instead of digging in. Higher bounce suits soft conditions and steep swings, while lower bounce suits firm turf and shallow swings.
Related guides & benchmarks
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