MAKE A MINI-SHIFT
I have allways felt that players have a tendecy to put too much restriction on their lower body
when it comes to short game shots from forty yards and in. The following is reproduced from a article in the August 2004 Issue
of Golf Magazine.
As in a full swing, your legs support your arm motion when you're pitching. So rather than trying
to minimize their role, allow your weight to shift to your back foot on the backswing, then to your front foot as the
club swings through impact. In fact, this weight transfer should trigger the transition from backswing to downswing,
shifting the swing's low point ahead of the ball and preventing the clubhead from hitting the ground first.
USE YOUR KNEES
To help control backspin, tailor your knee action to the type of pitch shot you want to hit. In
general, your front knee should slide away from the target going back, and your back knee should slide toward the target starting
down.
For a low , spinning shot, kick your right knee aggressively toward the target as you start down.
This will create a downward blow, with your hand ahead of the ball at impact. You'll trap the ball against the turf
for added backspin.
For a higher, softer pitch with less spin, make a gentler forward move with your right knee.
That triggers a longer, lazier swing and lets the head of the club pass your hands at impact for added loft on the shot.
For a pitch that runs after landing, minimize your knee action. Be careful with this one: You may
lose some natural rhythm, but this produces a shallow path into impact and a shot with almost no spin.
H."Turk" Walker USGTF
Master Teaching Professional
International PGA
Member USGTF Hall Of Fame
Member AAG Hall Of Fame
Dayton, OH
(937) 238-6547