Break 90: Playing the percentages with Holly Calvert

When faced with shots of under 70 yards there is a general confusion over what to do. We are all fine at full shots but when it comes to that finesse 40-yarder we suddenly adopt some strange techniques. Well, remember that a pitching wedge has almost 50˚ of loft so the ball will go in the air without you needing to help it up. It’s just a question of building a simple and reliable technique.

Pitching25

LEARN A VARIETY OF NEW SHOTS

You might have read about the clockface technique to help with pitching. I like to think of my swing in terms of percentages and concentrate on 25, 50 and 75 when I am faced with anything between a chip and a full shot. This is a feel thing – it will stop you getting too technical and is a great way to practise your yardage control.

Pitching50

Do NOT decelerate: what you do going back you do going forward. And if you struggle with rhythm, try saying ‘tick tock’ in your head during the swing.

Pitching75

THE SHOUDLERS LEAD THE SHOT

You don’t want your wrists too involved. When you get past a certain point in the swing they will hinge, yes, but the shoulders are key here. When the wrists get involved, that is 360˚ of error. Feel like the shoulders are engaging from the start, like the pendulum on a clock, as your arms and chest work their way through the shot.

holly - shoulder turn