If you play golf, pitch shots can be both super satisfying and frustrating. They’re the “in-between” shots; too long for a chip, too short for a full swing, and they pop up everywhere on the course. Knocking pitch shots close to the flag can quickly shave strokes from your score. I’ve seen my own game change just by ironing out a few sneaky habits with these shots. It’s really easy to make some common mistakes, but once you know what to avoid, pitching gets a lot more fun.
Understanding Pitch Shots: What Makes Them Tricky?
Pitch shots are usually played from 20 to 50 yards out. These are the shots where you want the ball to fly higher than a chip and land softly, aiming to stop near the pin. In theory, it sounds simple, but it challenges a lot of golfers, especially if you play mostly on shorter grass or only practice full swings at the range. The unpredictability of lies and pressure to get the distance right add to the mental challenge.
The pitch shot sits right in the awkward zone; full swings will send the ball way past the green, and delicate little chips just won’t get the ball close. Club selection, technique, and especially self-confidence all play a role. A mis-hit here can lead to everything from chunked shots that move five feet to thin rockets that shoot across the green. Small tweaks and a clear understanding of common mistakes can seriously take your pitching game up a notch. Most amateurs overlook the importance of good technique on these shots, but cleaning up your basics is crucial.
Top 5 Common Mistakes To Avoid In Golf Pitch Shots
Through a lot of trial and error, and watching too many pitch shots roll off the green, I’ve picked up on some habits that can trip up golfers of any level. Here are the five most common pitch shot mistakes I spot and what you can do to dodge them.
- Trying to “Help” the Ball Up
This is classic. You swing and try to lift the ball instead of just letting the club do its work. This often leads to hitting the ground early (chunk) or catching the ball thin and sending it flying. Instead, focus on brushing the grass after the ball and trust the loft of your club to get it airborne. It helps to keep your hands quiet and let your body rotate through the shot. When you resist the urge to scoop, your pitch shots land softer and get closer to your target. - Poor Ball Position
Putting the ball too far back or too far forward in your stance messes with your contact and trajectory. Too far back leads to low, skiddy shots; too far forward makes it easy to hit behind the ball. I find a good spot is just slightly ahead of center in your stance. Experiment to see what gives you a solid strike, but don’t be tempted to move it dramatically in your stance to “fix” a bad habit. Consistency is key for reliable contact. - Decelerating Through Impact
Slowing down as you hit the ball is super common, especially when you get nervous or are afraid of flying the green. Deceleration often causes fat shots because the club doesn’t carry through the turf. Try picking a landing spot and swinging with a smooth, steady tempo all the way through. Even on shorter pitch shots, commit to your follow-through so the ball flies the right distance. Pressuring yourself to “just not mess up” can actually lead to this mistake, so staying positive and confident helps. - Using Too Much Wrist Action
Flicking your wrists at the ball adds extra variables and usually leads to inconsistent contact. Many golfers think adding wrist flicks will create more height, but it usually changes the clubface at impact and can make distance control really tough. Instead, set your wrists a little on the backswing and keep them steady through impact, letting your body do the work. This keeps the clubface stable and makes your distances way more predictable. Focusing on a simple, repeatable motion pays off here. - Ignoring the Lie and Conditions
I used to grab my goto wedge for every pitch, but the lie really matters. Thick rough, tight fairway, or downhill slopes all call for adjustments in both setup and club choice. Hitting a standard pitch from deep rough needs a more open face and steeper swing. Off tight lies, make sure you don’t try to help the ball up, you want ballfirst contact. Check the grass, the slope, and even what’s ahead on the green before you pick your spot and club. Each situation needs a game plan of its own.
Setting Yourself Up for Better Pitch Shots
A solid pre-shot routine and mindful planning help avoid these mistakes before you even swing. I’ve picked up a few habits that make pitching a lot less stressful and a lot more accurate. Here are some easy ways to build more confidence with your pitch shots:
- Pick a Landing Spot: Instead of just aiming for the flag, pick where you want your ball to land on the green and plan for roll-out. This helps your brain focus on a smaller target and improves touch. Noticing your tendencies and targets builds up consistent results.
- Use the Right Club: Don’t just default to your 56-degree wedge every time. Try your gap wedge or even pitching wedge if you want lower trajectory with more roll, especially if there’s little green to work with. Working with a few clubs gives you more versatility around the greens.
- Practice With Different Lies: Don’t just hit pitches from a perfect fairway spot. Toss a few balls into light rough, on a downslope, or on patchy turf to build confidence in real-world situations. Mixing things up during practice prepares you better for what you’ll see out on the course. Challenges become opportunities to learn and adapt.
Quick Guide to Fixing Common Pitch Shot Problems
Pitches can go wrong for lots of reasons. Tackling the issues straight-up with simple solutions makes a big difference and helps you recover quickly out on the course.
- Chunked Pitches: Check your ball position and avoid leaning back at impact. Make sure your weight stays a bit on your front foot throughout the swing. Staying steady through the strike helps avoid digging in too early.
- Thin Shots: Resist lifting with your wrists and focus on brushing the grass after the ball. Swing through rather than trying to “scoop.” Clean contact comes from a confident swing, not a hesitant one.
- Overshooting the Green: Try a less lofted club or shorten your backswing while still swinging through. It’s easier to control distance when you keep a smooth tempo. Don’t swing harder; make your swing more controlled.
- Not Enough Height: Open up your clubface a little at address, but keep your body moving through the shot so you don’t try to “help” the ball up. Sometimes a softer grip also lets you release the club more naturally, giving you that extra loft when needed.
Common Situations and How To Handle Them
Golf throws you all sorts of pitch scenarios, so having a few smart moves in your toolbox really helps. Here are some setup and execution tips for special situations:
- Tight Lie: Use a wedge with less bounce and focus on making clean, ballfirst contact. Keep your hands ahead at address and let the club’s loft lift the ball. Trying to pick the ball clean rather than digging can avoid disaster from tight lies.
- Deep Rough: Open your clubface a bit for more height and use a steeper swing. Expect the ball to come out with less spin, so allow for more rollout. Don’t try to be perfect; just get the ball back in play near the green.
- Downhill Pitch: Play the ball slightly back, lean with the slope, and focus on a steady, controlled swing. Let the slope lower the flight. Staying balanced and not rushing helps keep shots on line.
- Uphill Pitch: You can move the ball a little forward in your stance and use a higherlofted club to make up for the slope. Expect the shot to fly higher and stop quicker. This can be your chance to get aggressive and really go for a tapin range approach.
Simple Practice Drills for Better Pitch Shots
Practice is where the real improvement happens. Here are a couple of exercises that have worked well for me, plus one bonus routine to step up your short game even more:
- Landing Spot Drill: Place towels or tees at different distances and try to land your pitches on them. It teaches distance control and sharpens your focus. Start close and work your way out as you get more accurate.
- ThreeClub Drill: Use your lob, sand, and gap wedge and hit the same pitch shot with each. Notice how the ball reacts and rolls with each club to help you choose better on the course. Learning the feel of each wedge gives you more options.
- OneHanded Swings: Practice halfswings with just your lead hand. This helps you feel the proper motion and prevents you from flipping your wrists at impact. While it feels odd at first, this drill can totally change how you control the club through impact.
- Random Distance Drill: If you want to step up your practice, hit to targets at unpredictable distances. Ask a friend to call out random yardages or throw down extra towels during practice. Getting used to adjusting on the fly builds a powerful short game, and that extra variation prepares you for on-course surprises. Mix in some variety so each session is productive and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why do my pitch shots sometimes go way right or left?
Answer: Off-line pitches usually mean the clubface wasn’t square at impact or your body alignment was off. Laying a club or alignment stick on the ground during practice can help train your feet and shoulders to aim at your target. If your wrists are super loose or you flick through impact, shots can too easily go off line. Keeping your setup in check and minimizing excessive wrist movement will pay off.
Question: Should I use the same grip and stance for pitches as for full swings?
Answer: A slightly softer grip and a narrower stance often work better for precision. You get better control and make it easier to swing on the correct path, especially when focusing on distance instead of power. Feel free to adjust your stance to fit the type of shot, but consistency helps with execution.
Question: How can I practice pitch shots if my course doesn’t have a short game area?
Answer: Use an open space on the range and put up markers for landing spots. Even just hitting pitches into a net in your backyard can help build muscle memory and rhythm. If you don’t have much room, practice your technique with shorter swings—focus on good contact and tempo. Consistency and repetition do wonders, even without perfect facilities.
Key Takeaways for Reliable Pitch Shots
Avoiding the most common pitch shot mistakes makes a bigger difference than just practicing the same shot over and over. Pay attention to your setup, commit to each shot, and practice a variety of lies and distances. I’ve learned that these small details add up to closer approaches, and way more confidence on every part of the course.
Pitching is totally learnable, and it doesn’t have to be a weak spot in your game. Focus on these basics, work them into your short game practice, and you’ll see your scores and stress levels start to drop. Happy pitching!