Seve Ballesteros’ simple keys for hitting masterful pitch shots

Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. This week, we revisit Seve Ballesteros’ simple keys for solid pitch shots from our March 1983 issue. For unlimited access to the full GOLF Magazine digital archive, join InsideGOLF today; you’ll enjoy $140 of value for only $39.99/year.

Having a solid short game is a huge asset. When you’re able to get up and down from tough spots, you’re never truly out of a hole.

Perhaps no one in the professional game illustrated this fact better than Seve Ballesteros. Over the course of his career, the five-time major champ got out of many tight jams with his magical short game. Even now several decades later, his wizardry around the greens is the stuff of legend.

If you’re looking to improve your own short game, there’s not a better person to model your technique after than Ballesteros. Back in 1983, he joined GOLF Magazine to share a few of his secrets for solid pitch shots, which you can check out below.

Seve’s pitch-shot basics

Getting your pitching game back in shape at the start of the season is easier than you think, provided you’re organized and keep your approach simple. The swing you use for pitches should be the same one you use for full shots, except for minor technical changes in body alignment and ball position.

It helps to divide your pitches into two categories — long and short. I generally use a pitching wedge for shots from 80 to 110 yards and a sand wedge for shots from 80 yards or less. Your figures may differ from mine, but know your comfortable maximum with each club so that you make the correct club selection.

Long pitch

On long pitch shots, use a slightly open stance, with the ball a little to the right of center, but keep the shoulders square to the target line. The open stance helps reduce the amount of body turn in the backswing. You swing back to about three-quarter length, a definite aid to control. Standing a little open also helps you to clear your hips to the left on the forward swing, even though the swing is shorter than normal.

Short pitch

On short pitches of around 30 yards, set up with the shoulders, the hips and the feet open. Put a little more weight on your left foot. This setup cuts down even more on body action, so essentially your body stays still, and you play the shot mainly with your hands and arms. 

After you’ve practiced these “standard” pitch shots from various distances, you’re ready to try several simple variations. The position of the pin on the green often calls for a higher or lower shot than usual, and you should have these shots in your bag.

Tucked pin

Say the pin is tucked behind a bunker on the front of the green, you will need to play a higher than normal shot, one that will land softly and not go too far past the hole. I suggest you increase the effective loft of the club by playing the ball a little farther forward in your stance. Set up with the weight favoring your right foot. On the downswing stay more behind the ball. This way, you keep your weight on the right side and then swing up into a high finish.

It’s worth noting that you must have at least a good lie to play the high pitch. Don’t play the ball forward off a poor lie, because you’ll tend to thin or even to top it. Play the ball back the same as you would for the “standard” pitch to make certain you hit the ball solidly, then allow the ball to finish past the pin.

Green to work with

Another common pin position is the one in which the pin is at the back of the green. This placement calls for a lower shot, one that will run farther than usual and ensure that you will get the ball back to the hole. To play the low pitch, position the ball back of center. This low shot also is useful playing into the wind or trying to keep the ball under control in a crosswind.

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at zephyr_melton@golf.com.