Right-Hand-Drill with pitch shots

I have been using the RHD and it has improved my distance and accuracy with all my full shots. However, within 50 yds, where a pitch/lob shot is required, I have no feel, control, accuracy!! If the opportunity to chip is there, I will. Even if it is from 50 yds!!.

The problem is with 3/4 and 1/2 swings (basically any swing that is not at full speed.) The pitch shot usually results in a low shot, straight right and doesn't have that "pop" sound that a pitch shot should have. Basically, I am lucky to be on the green within 15 yds.

I was told that I need to swat at the ball.. My spidey senses told me that this advice doesn't sound too good and put me in panic mode, since I have worked so hard to stop swatting, and thus this posting.

Please help.. I am basically playing par 4's and 5's so that my approach shot is in the 120 yd area, so I can take a full PW.

Thanks!

Also, any advice on using the RHD to get out of a bunker play would be appreciated. My last time in the bunker, I resorted to using the FW (foot wedge).

This "don't swat" thought can cause your hands to lock up. You are supposed to use them, and can use them aggressivly as much as you want -- the more you do, the higher it will go, so lots in the bunker and on flop shots. 50 yards in, it's a combo of 1/2 swing and normal hands.

So, the idea here is to make sure you ARE using your hands as a hinge into the ball as the last move, but from a vertical attack angle, not the swatting horizontal.

From the top of the swing, rotate the hips and shoulders into impact without using your hands yet. Let your arms drop a bit to 1/2 hight. Your club should still be pointing up. From here, release down with the hands into impact. The back of your left hand should be straight and in alignment with your clubface and left arm and left shoulder at impact. This makes sure you did not swat. Having a very vertical attack on it will make the ball go very high and land soft.

In the bunker, just play with alignment and ball position to regulate length and carry.

__________________
I'm a golfaholic, no question about that. Counseling wouldn't help me. They'd have to put me in prison, and then I'd talk the warden into building a hole or two and teach him how to play. ~Lee Trevino

Thanks Greg,

So the objective is still to hit down on the ball (just like the full swing using RHD). I think this is what I am doing, without any success. Is the ball position supposed to be further back? ... I just don't get that crisp pop sound with the short pitch shots. Could it be a too inside-out swing path? ...or not rotating the body enough through the shot?

I was always told to use a "quiet lower body" during short shots? The power in your arms are definetly enough for the short green side pitches.

I am not doubting you.. In fact, I wish I lived in your area so I could get lessons

BTW, are there any plans to add more lessons to your web site? Video?? Perhaps bunker and short shots

Thks!

[quote=WhyDoIStink]I was always told to use a "quiet lower body" during short shots? The power in your arms are definetly enough for the short green side pitches.
quote]
when you learn to use the hips for power on short chips you actually become better at them and much more precise. the belly button should beat the hands to impact

i agree with shootin