Why You Skull Pitch Shots

SETUP

Skulling the ball on little pitch shots comes from swinging up at impact. You need to hit down on the ball. Start with 75 percent of your weight on your front foot and play the ball about middle in your stance. Now you're set up to catch it solid with a descending strike.

SWING

To make sure you hit down, get the club up in the backswing. Hinge your wrists abruptly, then pull through with your left hand. Keep your weight forward throughout the swing (right, top). The feel: Hit with the back of your left hand. The club's loft will send the ball up.

BUTCH'S BASICS

Never let the clubhead get behind your body on a pitch shot. A common mistake is pulling the club quickly to the inside, which makes it hard to hit down on the ball. Swing the clubhead back and up (right, bottom); don't let it sweep low and inside.