ELIMINATE Chunks & Thin Shots || How to Transfer Weight on Pitch Shots

Take your short game to the next level by mastering the technique of transferring weight on pitch shots. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to improve your consistency and confidence on the course.

Ever found yourself chunking or skimming the ball when trying to pitch? This guide is here to help you with a simple, repeatable fix. We delve into a proven method that ensures you transfer weight effectively on your pitch shots for clean, consistent strikes.

Step 1: Understand the Real Problem of Chunked or Thin Shots

Chunked and thin pitch shots are often the result of an inconsistent swing low point due to improper weight movement. Shifting weight onto the trail foot instead of rotating can cause the club to hit the ground before the ball or catch the ball too high on the face.

The solution? Keep 90–100% of your weight on your lead leg through the shot and rotate around it. This approach not only cleans up poor contact issues but also stabilizes your swing.

• Stabilizing the low point: By maintaining lead leg weight, you ensure the low point occurs after striking the ball.
• Natural club release: Rotation allows the club to release naturally, improving the strike.

Step 2: Setup for Ideal Weight Transfer on Pitch Shots

Where you position your body and weight can majorly influence your pitch shot. Follow these setup tips:

• Stance: Keep it narrow yet stable to feel grounded on the lead side.
• Ball position: For short pitches, position slightly back of center; more central for lofted shots.
• Weight Distribution: Start with 60–70% on the lead leg, aiming for nearly all (90–100%) by impact.
• Chest alignment: Tilt slightly forward, ensuring your sternum points down towards your hands during impact.

Step 3: One-foot Drill to Perfect Your Pivot

Enhance your balance and feel with the one-foot drill:

1. Address the ball as usual, placing the ball slightly back for lower shots.
2. Lift the trail foot, focusing your weight on the lead foot.
3. Execute a stroke focusing on torso rotation around the lead leg.
4. Start small and progress to longer strokes.

This drill emphasizes the feel of weight forward and helps solidify the correct pivot.

Step 4: Retain Weight Forward at Impact

Aim for 90–100% of your weight on your lead leg through the strike, allowing your back foot to facilitate movement but maintaining pressure towards the lead side. Practice short shots and check your body’s pressure and divot placement consistently.

Step 5: Rhythm for Synchronization of Rotation and Speed

Use the “one, two” rhythm cue to maintain tempo and synchronization:

• Count “One” during the takeaway.
• Count “Two” during the follow-through, ensuring synchronized movement.

This consistent pattern minimizes acceleration or deceleration mishaps.

Step 6: Progression to Longer Pitch Shots

1. Start with small bump-and-runs.
2. Move to medium pitches.
3. Finish with longer pitch shots, adjusting only the backswing length for distance control.

Consistency comes from maintaining the same pivot and rhythm across all shot distances.

Step 7: Fixing Common Mistakes

• Weight Shift vs. Rotation: Avoid sliding by practicing the one-foot drill.
• Deceleration: Trust your rhythm to avoid decelerating on approach shots.
• Clubface Handling: Maintain a square face and trust pivot actions for mid-range pitches.
• Stance Balance: Ensure a comfortable yet balanced stance for stability.

Step 8: Effective Practice Routine

1. Warm-up: Light wedge swings focusing on balance and divot position.
2. One-foot Drill: Perfect balance and divot placement.
3. Rhythm Practice: Use consistent backswing length with rhythm count.
4. Variation Drills: Across different pitch types, refine focus on target spots.

Track progress and adjust based on rhythmic and divot feedback.

Step 9: FAQ

Q: How much weight should I have on my lead leg for pitch shots?

A: Strive for 90–100% on the lead leg at impact, favoring rotation over shift.

Q: Should my back foot lift during pitch shots?

A: It can, as long as you’re pivoting correctly, the back foot’s lift aligns naturally.

Q: Do I need to open the clubface?

A: A square face is often sufficient for medium-length pitches; only open for short, high shots.

Q: Will this technique help my full swing?

A: Absolutely. Mastering the lead-leg pivot benefits all swing types by improving low point control.

Conclusion

By focusing on sustaining lead side weight through a steady rhythm, you can eliminate chunks and thin pitch shots, building a consistent and confident short game. Start practicing these steps today, and watch as your shots become more reliable and accurate on the course.