On The Tee with Hank Johnson

Pitching: A high shot from a short distance (50 yards or less) away from the green that travels most of the way to the target in the air.

Objective: To improve up and down percentage from within 50 yards of the flag by;

1. Pitching the ball within six feet of the cup a high percentage of the time.
2. Pitching the ball within twelve of the cup 100 percent of the time.

Key to success: Make the ball land on the spot you’ve picked and at the angle you’ve visualized.

To improve your ability to visualize the shot: Toss some balls onto the green underhanded to find the best spot and angle for the ball to land on for a specific shot. Once you’ve found the best spot and landing angle, stick a shaft into the green to represent the landing point and landing angle. Now, hit some pitch shots trying to make the ball land on the spot and on the angle the shaft represents. Try different wedges until you find the one that makes the shot easiest to hit.

Use this practice procedure from various places around the green to develop your ability to visualize the best trajectory for the various shots.

Practice technique: Use coins or ball markers to create a six foot and a twelve foot circle around the cup to which you plan to practice. With ten ball like you play with, drop them in ten different locations around the green where a high shot is called for. Without improving your lie, play the ten shots. You may use different clubs if you wish. Use your full pre-shot routine just like you would on the golf course. Mark the balls from previous shots so that they will not interfere. You may leave the flag stick in if you wish.

Your goal: All ten shots within the twelve foot circle and at least half of them in the six foot circle.

Reminder: Every pitch shot turns into a putt when it begins to roll. Don’t forget to look for slopes that will cause the ball to break left or right. Also be aware of uphill or downhill slopes that will affect the speed and therefore the distance the ball will roll after landing.