Want perfect pitches? Here are 4 simple rules to get you there

I know what you’re thinking when faced with a pitch shot: too much! Too many swing thoughts make what should be a smooth, rhythmic pass at the ball a clunky affair. No longer. When the situation calls for finesse, limit your concerns to the following four ideas. Your next shot is sure to be a tap-in.

1. LOAD YOUR LEFT SIDE

Address the ball with your weight and left shoulder over your left leg.

2. DON’T BE A SOFTIE

Grip the club firmly, and don’t allow your arms to be too soft, otherwise you’ll overuse your body during the downswing. Keep the arm structure you establish at address all the way through impact.

3. MANAGE YOUR RATIOS

In a proper pitch swing, the backswing should take twice as long to complete as the forward-swing—a 2:1 ratio. Also, keep in mind that all shots, on average, take less than two seconds to complete. As the saying goes, “Timing is everything.”

4. BALANCE YOUR SWING

Poor wedge players have a short backswing and long through-swing. Don’t be that player or you’ll risk a stub. Focus on matching swing length on both sides of the ball. The balance in length will make you feel like you’re “coasting” through impact. Perfect.

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