How to Stop a Pitch Shot

A pitch shot in golf is generally a delicate approach shot from close to, but just outside, the putting surface. Because all greens are different and all pitch shots come from different angles, there are a variety of ways to stop the ball. These methods include the "bump and run" (a low pitch that flies a fraction of the way to the hole and rolls the rest of the way), a "check up" (average chip with enough spin to stop the ball the from rolling too much once it lands) and a "flop shot" (highly spun pitch that stops as soon as it lands).

Things You'll Need

  • Pitching wedge, 48-degree
  • Sand wedge, 54-degree
  • Lob wedge, 60-degree
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Instructions

  1. Bump and Run

    • 1

      Stand with your feet just inside shoulder length and position the ball to the back of your stance. The ideal placement for the ball would be in line with the inside of your back foot.

    • 2

      Address the ball with your 48-degree pitching wedge and forward press the grip so that it is in line with the inside of your front foot. This will stop the club on impact and give the ball forward spin so it can roll considerably.

    • 3

      Take the club back as far as is dictated by your distance from the hole. The farther you need the pitch to go, the farther back you need to take the club. Opt for different swing mechanics if the hole is so far that it constitutes a full swing because at that point it ceases to be a pitch shot.

    • 4

      Pass the club through the ball on your downswing and just brush the top of the grass with the sole of the club head.

    • 5

      Follow through to the same length as your backswing.

    Check up

    • 6

      Stand with your feet just inside shoulder length apart and situate your stance so that the ball is in the direct center, equal length from your front and back foot.

    • 7

      Address the ball with your 54-degree sand wedge and keep the grip in line with the ball --- do not forward press or hold back.

    • 8

      Take the club back to the appropriate length as dictated by your distance from the hole and cock your wrists to a 90-degree angle as you take the club back. This angle is to be held until after impact. Holding this angle will combine a small amount of force to the already lofted shot, allowing the ball to sail toward the target and "check-up" once it lands. It will roll out, but only about half as much as you'd expect.

    • 9

      Push through the ball at impact, your hands should be slightly in front of the club head at impact. Brush the top of the grass with the sole of your club head.

    • 10

      Release the angle after impact and follow through to the same length as your backswing.

    Flop Shot

    • 11

      Stand with your feet just inside your shoulder line and situate the ball to the front of your stance. The ideal placement for the ball is in line with the instep of your front foot.

    • 12

      Address the ball with your 60-degree loft wedge and open the face as much as possible by pulling your grip behind the ball. The more open you lay the face, the easier it will be to glide under the ball and pop it up into the air.

    • 13

      Take the club back as far as necessary to achieve the appropriate distance, but keep in mind that most of the force you exert onto the ball will only translate into a higher trajectory with very little change in distance.

    • 14

      Cock your wrist to about a 45-degree angle during the backswing just to keep from "weak wristing" the shot, which can cause unpredictable outcomes.

    • 15

      Push the club through the ball, gliding underneath and popping it straight into the air with a high amount of backspin. The larger you make your swing, the more spin the ball will have and the easier it will be to stop on a dime.

    • 16

      Follow through to the same length as your backswing and release the slight angle in your wrists after impact.