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Over time I have compiled quite a number of pitch shots by various Tour pros so I thought it would be interesting to go over some of these and discuss the different techniques they utilize. The two most common shots are the “leading edge” pitch, and the “using the bounce” pitch. As you will see, the leading edge pitch refers to a shot struck with the hands well ahead of the clubhead and the shaft leaning forward at impact. Most of the time the impact position is previewed at address by leaning the weight forward and the hands forward prior to the takeaway. Good examples shown here are Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel. I prefer to hit the majority of my pitches in this fashion, and will always teach players this technique first before moving to what I consider the more difficult option of using the bounce, which involves impacting the ball with the hands less forward and clubhead passing the hands more quickly, giving the feeling of sliding the club under the ball to create an elevated, soft shot. In the video we see John Senden and Gary Woodland hitting shots that require such a technique due to the pin being tucked close to the side of the green where they have missed their shot. Commonly referred to as a “flop” shot, I believe that it requires much more skill and touch to figure out how far a ball will go when you scoop it up than when you strike it with the hands leaning more forward. The undercut shot, in my opinion, should be reserved for situations where it is the only way to get the ball remotely close, but it definitely should be in the arsenal of the serious player. However, most good short game players rely on the leading edge shot most of the time, as it is the technique that allows the player to make consistently solid contact off of all sorts of lies, especially the tight fairway lie.
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