Pitching in golf for beginners
Quick answer: A pitch comes up short or flies the green when you make a short backswing with a hard hit, or a long backswing and then slow down. Change your distance by adjusting the length of your swing while keeping your speed the same, and let the club loft lift the ball naturally.
Pitching in golf is a short swing with more air than a chip. The length of the swing sets the distance, not a late hit.
14 Around the green
The situation
You are off the green with rough or a bunker in the way, so the ball has to fly most of the way and then stop. The usual faults are slowing down into the ball, scooping with the wrists to help it up, and making a long backswing and then holding back.
If the grass between you and the green is short enough to roll on, this is not the shot. Use the chip.
A check you can do
Make three pitch swings with the same club, each a little longer than the last. Watch the finish every time. If the follow-through is shorter than the backswing, you are slowing down into the ball. A useful pitch finishes at least as long as it started.
The fix
- 01Ball center, weight a little forward Feet a little narrower than for a full swing, ball in the middle, a touch more weight on the lead foot. The hands sit even with the ball or just ahead of it.
- 02Let the loft do the lifting The loft on the club gets the ball up. Do not scoop with the wrists to help it. Hit down a little and let the ball climb off the face.
- 03Change distance with the length of the swing Pick a backswing length for the shot, then keep the speed the same. A short backswing with a hard hit, or a long one with a slowdown, is a common reason pitches come up short or fly the green.
- 04
- 05Ten balls to one landing spot Pick a spot on the green and land the ball there, not at the hole. Watch how far it rolls after. That roll is what you adjust next time, not the hit.
The clock system for pitching distance
Think of your lead arm as the hand of a clock. With the same tempo, a backswing to 8 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock gives three different distances. Hit ten balls with each length and write down how far each carries. That gives you three reliable pitches from one club, without having to "feel" a half swing on the course.
| Backswing | Sand wedge carry | Pitching wedge carry |
|---|---|---|
| 8 o'clock | ||
| 9 o'clock | ||
| 10 o'clock |
Pitch or chip?
If you can land the ball on the green and let it roll most of the way, chip. Pitch only when there is rough, a bunker or not much green between you and the hole, and the ball has to fly and stop. A pitch has more air time, so a mishit costs more. The full decision is on short game tips.
Common questions
What is the difference between a pitch and a chip?
A pitch has more air time and is used when there is rough, a bunker, or not much green between you and the hole. A chip is used when the ball can land on the green and roll most of the way.
How do I control the distance of my pitch?
Control distance by changing the length of your backswing. A longer backswing with the same tempo increases distance, while a shorter backswing decreases it.
Why should I hit down on the ball when pitching?
Hitting down on the ball allows the club's loft to lift the ball naturally. Scooping with the wrists can lead to inconsistent contact and poor ball flight.
How can I practice my pitching distances?
Use the clock system: think of your lead arm as a clock hand. Backswings to 8, 9, and 10 o'clock give three different distances. Hit ten balls with each length and note the carry distance.
Related fixes
Last updated: 2026-10-21
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