Watched this last night, got a quick practice in before my round today. Broke 90 for the first time ever (usually struggle to keep it under 100), pitched to within 6 feet twice and then the cherry on top, pitched in for 60 yards out on the 16th. I also fell off a wee bridge and left my phone in a taxi, so it all balances out. But yeah, thank you. Look forward to dialling in my distances even more.
I am literally speechless on how helpful this video is. I have never seen such an easy helpful golf tutorial! This has transformed my pitch shots to have that clock image in my mind when swinging. Instantly subscribed. Rick you are an absolute Legend, Thank you
This is by far the easiest lesson on how to pitch. So easy to execute and remember. It has made a massive difference in my short game. You are one of the best golf instructors on You Tube. Thanks so much !!
Your instructions on pitch form took me from ignorant to competent in 20 minutes! I am glad I found your channel and am happy to begin golfing. I plan to continue to learn a lot from you. Thanks Rick!
just wanted to say thank you. watched the first video and within 3 swings I had it perfect and took it to the course and was absolutely amazed at how much better my pitching was. so thank you very much going to give the clock and chart a try as well.
This is a great tip ! Used this on my next round out and realized a dramatic difference. Even from around 30 yards. Use the "clock"technique. It seems so obvious , but gives great confidence. Thanks Rick!
I used to use this all time when I had four wedges. After hurting my back and going to three wedges due to a 5 wood in the bag, been struggling with distance control. Plus my swing went to shite, but I'm working on that. Great work again, Rick.
Thanks Rick - I look forward to practicing this. Thanks for being my golf coach on TH-cam for FREE. Where was this 20 years ago. I have shaved 10-15 strokes off this year with an M4 and your teaching (even broke 80). Hitting irons better than ever - pitching is next. BTW you were great on Driver vs Driver.
Thanks.. just spent 2 hours at the practice ground with a notepad and range finder. Now have 20 distances mapped with my 4 clubs. I'm a 4 handicapper who can drive, putt and my irons are ok. Been struggling from 20-100 yards for a few years and am really looking forward to putting this onto practice.
Watched this a year back. Gives me so much conviction hitting within 100m. I've even added carry and roll for inside 50m. Also gives me multiple options for some distances.
This has been one of the more helpful video's I've watched. I have always struggled with any shot less than a full swing. I have taken these methods one step further with full shots from 6 iron down to lob wedge. The loss in distance with the longer irons is compensated by accuracy and consistency. I can also make up for distance by grabbing a longer club. And as you noted in the video, ball striking is amazing!
Thanks Rick. I watch your videos often and I learn a lot. But this pitching video is going to change my game for the better. I now have a purpose at the range. Plus I like the card idea.
I have use the clock system for my pitching and it really helps. But, keeping a chart like that is new to me and definitely something I am going to do as it can at times be hard to remember the distances when on the course. Thanks for the tip, enjoying the series!
I’m going old school. Can’t wait to go to the local high school with some markers and make my chart that will always be in my bag. Your clock technique makes a lot of sense to me. I’ve always struggled with distance and I’m confident that I will get out of this what I put into it off the course. Thanks Rick, I’ll let you know how it goes!
Under 100yds is the biggest issue in my game and I completely forgot about this! I’ve watched this vid before and it is soooo helpful. Just shot 90 for the first time, hoping to bring it down to 85 this weekend!
great series Rick, brilliant reminder for me. i have been driving and hitting 2nd shots as well as i have ever hit them. but just lately have been duffing far to many pitch shots. i feel after watching this againit will be a great help. many thanks.
These videos are great. I have used the clock in the past, but only for chipping. I'll be making my chart this week at the range. Thanks. p.s. What is that angular building in the background?
I do this clock system for chipping, not necessarily pitches over 40 yards. The system works great if you play enough and know your numbers. My issue is I don't have a scope or launch monitor, I have to do it the hard way by walking it off. I know how many steps my 9 to 3 goes with 2 wedges. That will improve anyone's scores.
Great video. Wondering if you have plans on doing a comparison of iron shafts. Would love to hear your thoughts and data on dynamic gold, project x, and kbs shafts.
These are the best pitching videos I have ever watched. Thank you. Side note, have you ever tried the skytrak launch monitor? I would love a GC2 but they are a bit pricy. Thanks again!!!
80 yards in has been awful, bad for my confidence. I’m a mid to upper 80s but this is the area that needs the most help. Your videos are always so helpful. I’ll be on the range tomorrow trying to work it out! Thanks for the help!
Stumbled across this and thought I'd give it a go due the simplicity of the explanation. I've now got the chart sorted, from 120 to 20 yards. 200 balls on the range and 2hrs of time and I feel a lot more comfortable with my wedges. Time will tell as will the monthly medal score next weekend 😂
Thanks rick it keeps me back to grind and i did broke 80s now last week after herandous round i gotta work on it to sharpen it more..very much helpful vids
Love the videos but I do have a ?. when doing this drill for distance do you recommend using golf balls that you actually play or would you use range balls. Is there really any difference.
Improving your short game is the fastest and easiest way for higher handicappers to reduce their scores. This video is a re-imagining of Dave Pelz’s wedge game theory. I would recommend his books Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible and Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible. They are very in-depth but have some really useful pointers (including this technique for distance control). They were very expensive when they came out but as they are about 20 years old now I expect you can buy them very cheaply. Dave Pelz’s tone can be irritating as it is obvious he rates himself very highly but there are some very useful techniques and drills in there that I still use now. If you are interested now would be an ideal time to read them as we can’t play golf yet!
Rick, thanks for the videos. Can you post your completed distance chart as a starter template for me? It will help to know I'm in the right ballpark. Thx
Hey Rick, budget golfer here. I was wondering if you had any pics of your yardage chart? I will be able to go figure mine out late december but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. Love your videos!
So in terms of percentages - would you say it's around: Full = 100%, 11-1 = 90%, 10-2 = 75%, 9-3 = 50%, 8-4 = 40%? Great tool & one of the best videos in terms of applying it to my game goes! Thanks Rick
Rick has easy free access to launch monitors and he is good enough to feel where 11 o'clock and 6 o'clock are. I could do it with more work but I think I'll stick to feel. I don't really like the idea of being so mechanical.
Cornwall1888 i also found the clock difficult to judge.What I use is my body as a judge for instance I know that if i swing from my pocket(Pants)to my other pocket it goes 30m with lobwedge.my 40m shot is from hip height to my other hip.Try it and give it a go.
Hi Rick, can you talk about your method here and contrast it with Phil’s “Secrets of the Short Game” hinge & hold method? Specifically there’s a part where he said if an instructor teaches you the clock face same length through and back method, you better run because that’s crazy. Are there actually similarities between the two methods or are they totally different??
I have to say that will have to try this out I think that this will help me in my short game. I always have a problem with this distance. This is the real reason why my handle cap is so high
Fabulous drill and theory Rick, but not everyone can keep their left arm straight like you or youth players!, I am 66 years of age and have just switched onto your site, I think you tips and videos are FAB, but as I said am 66 years of age and play off 12 and the further I can swing back with my left arm straight is around shoulder high, if I try to swing past more than I can handle, then that is why am stuck at 12, it only takes me to screw up on two or three holes to keep me on this number! So I will keep watching your site in a hope you can give advice too older guys? I started this game up in latter life, so my bones are not supple like the youngster! Many thanks Rick!!!
Could you shoot up hill to get the ball to stop quickly on landing to get an accurate measurement of carry distance? A practice ground I have access has a down slope which would be no good. Any thoughts. I could book a launch monitor session but I shudder to think of the cost of working out the distances for 4 wedges.
Hi Rick, How can people do this if they don't have the tech to measure the distances? Do you recommend something for people on a budget who don't have the portable simulators? Thanks!
Spend this afternoon practicing my wedge yardages. I only carry a 52 and a 58 and decided to drop out the 10-2 as I don't feel I'm good enough to differentiate between a 11-1 and a 10-2 swing. Full 11-1 9-3 52* 105 90 50 58* 80 70 40 Does this look about right? I took the yardages from my GPS watch.
When you try to calibrate your distance, do you focus more on just the carry? Your carry is 92 yards on the 11-2 hand position. How do you approximate the amount of roll?
I would imagine like me he would just predict through practice but roll is variable that changes from course to course but carry is more of a constant so more important to know.
Watched this last night, got a quick practice in before my round today. Broke 90 for the first time ever (usually struggle to keep it under 100), pitched to within 6 feet twice and then the cherry on top, pitched in for 60 yards out on the 16th.
I also fell off a wee bridge and left my phone in a taxi, so it all balances out.
But yeah, thank you. Look forward to dialling in my distances even more.
i'm watching this in April of 2021...man Rick's come a long way
i was just thinking the same thing. lol
Incredible
Same, I’m so thankful for his facial hair
I clicked on this thinking is this his brother 😂
2023
I am literally speechless on how helpful this video is. I have never seen such an easy helpful golf tutorial! This has transformed my pitch shots to have that clock image in my mind when swinging. Instantly subscribed. Rick you are an absolute Legend, Thank you
totally agree with your comments
This is by far the easiest lesson on how to pitch. So easy to execute and remember. It has made a massive difference in my short game. You are one of the best golf instructors on You Tube.
Thanks so much !!
Most definitely a Classic !
I've suffered lately pitching, this has given me new life for an old player. Thanks Rick.
Your instructions on pitch form took me from ignorant to competent in 20 minutes! I am glad I found your channel and am happy to begin golfing. I plan to continue to learn a lot from you. Thanks Rick!
I've found your techniques eloquent and clear. They make eminent sense. Thanks
just wanted to say thank you. watched the first video and within 3 swings I had it perfect and took it to the course and was absolutely amazed at how much better my pitching was. so thank you very much going to give the clock and chart a try as well.
This is a great tip ! Used this on my next round out and realized a dramatic difference.
Even from around 30 yards.
Use the "clock"technique.
It seems so obvious , but gives great confidence.
Thanks Rick!
"You're not going to miss it by more than 15 yards left to right".... Me: "Hold my beer".
Just wanted to thank you for one of the best instructional golf videos I've seen - helped me out tremendously!
I used to use this all time when I had four wedges. After hurting my back and going to three wedges due to a 5 wood in the bag, been struggling with distance control. Plus my swing went to shite, but I'm working on that. Great work again, Rick.
Thanks Rick - I look forward to practicing this. Thanks for being my golf coach on TH-cam for FREE. Where was this 20 years ago. I have shaved 10-15 strokes off this year with an M4 and your teaching (even broke 80). Hitting irons better than ever - pitching is next. BTW you were great on Driver vs Driver.
Thanks.. just spent 2 hours at the practice ground with a notepad and range finder. Now have 20 distances mapped with my 4 clubs. I'm a 4 handicapper who can drive, putt and my irons are ok. Been struggling from 20-100 yards for a few years and am really looking forward to putting this onto practice.
Thanks! Be sure to hit subscribe I've got loads of exciting new videos on the way!
Watched this a year back. Gives me so much conviction hitting within 100m. I've even added carry and roll for inside 50m. Also gives me multiple options for some distances.
This has been one of the more helpful video's I've watched. I have always struggled with any shot less than a full swing. I have taken these methods one step further with full shots from 6 iron down to lob wedge. The loss in distance with the longer irons is compensated by accuracy and consistency. I can also make up for distance by grabbing a longer club. And as you noted in the video, ball striking is amazing!
Great video with proper technique to mastering those par saving shots.
one of the most helpful information/demo!! thanks will us this next time out
Thanks Rick. I watch your videos often and I learn a lot. But this pitching video is going to change my game for the better. I now have a purpose at the range. Plus I like the card idea.
I have use the clock system for my pitching and it really helps. But, keeping a chart like that is new to me and definitely something I am going to do as it can at times be hard to remember the distances when on the course. Thanks for the tip, enjoying the series!
I’m going old school. Can’t wait to go to the local high school with some markers and make my chart that will always be in my bag. Your clock technique makes a lot of sense to me. I’ve always struggled with distance and I’m confident that I will get out of this what I put into it off the course. Thanks Rick, I’ll let you know how it goes!
Best pitching video ever. Would love to see completed anyones chart - is there overlap?
Really great demonstration... clock method is easy to master ... thanks Rick!
Under 100yds is the biggest issue in my game and I completely forgot about this! I’ve watched this vid before and it is soooo helpful. Just shot 90 for the first time, hoping to bring it down to 85 this weekend!
Love this Rick, been watching back through some older stuff! Hello from the future ha!!
This was a massive help! Thank you so much Rick! I played the day after watching this and holed a wedge shot for the first time in years!
Great system and video. Only downside is older players may struggle to rotate the body so will tend to compensate by using the arms.
Rick Shiels really is the guy. Dude rocks so hard
great series Rick, brilliant reminder for me. i have been driving and hitting 2nd shots as well as i have ever hit them. but just lately have been duffing far to many pitch shots. i feel after watching this againit will be a great help. many thanks.
Question - what is that large angled structure in back of Rick when viewed straight on?
Great instructional video! Applied this last time out and it works...thanks
Hi Rick, would you recommend using the same “tucked arm pit” swing for irons all the way to 5i? Thanks
Best Pitching video i have ever seen! Thanks for the chart, I made one and its spot now! many strokes gained.
Fantastic lesson Rick. That gives me a project to make a distance chart for all my wedges. Thanks so much.
first time i've seen someone actively show ppl how to create a pitching matrix. been meaning to do it for ages. great work Rick.
Awesome video. Thank you for this advice. This will help me so much in the course! The "light bulb" just went on and it makes sense.
This video is great. I mean all 3... Thanks Ric
These videos are great. I have used the clock in the past, but only for chipping. I'll be making my chart this week at the range. Thanks. p.s. What is that angular building in the background?
Watching now! Pitch and putt tomorrow, taking up golf for the first time at 37 🤣
I do this clock system for chipping, not necessarily pitches over 40 yards. The system works great if you play enough and know your numbers. My issue is I don't have a scope or launch monitor, I have to do it the hard way by walking it off. I know how many steps my 9 to 3 goes with 2 wedges. That will improve anyone's scores.
This is a great video! Thanks, Rick Shiels.
Thanks Rick. Another great helpful video. Worked a treat ....I used clock faces
ive used some of your training techniques and they have really helped me.
the how to hit the driver was very good
keep them coming
Thankyou very much Rick...all very interesting...i will give it a try.
Iv gone from a +100 golfer , down to 81-87 on the regular . All in 2 months . I love this game
Great video. Wondering if you have plans on doing a comparison of iron shafts. Would love to hear your thoughts and data on dynamic gold, project x, and kbs shafts.
These are the best pitching videos I have ever watched. Thank you. Side note, have you ever tried the skytrak launch monitor? I would love a GC2 but they are a bit pricy. Thanks again!!!
80 yards in has been awful, bad for my confidence. I’m a mid to upper 80s but this is the area that needs the most help. Your videos are always so helpful. I’ll be on the range tomorrow trying to work it out!
Thanks for the help!
Stumbled across this and thought I'd give it a go due the simplicity of the explanation.
I've now got the chart sorted, from 120 to 20 yards.
200 balls on the range and 2hrs of time and I feel a lot more comfortable with my wedges. Time will tell as will the monthly medal score next weekend 😂
Did it end up helping??
Just what I needed - thank you.
I love this tip. I wish there was a PDF download of that chart but I guess it's easy enough to make on my own.
Thanks rick it keeps me back to grind and i did broke 80s now last week after herandous round i gotta work on it to sharpen it more..very much helpful vids
any videos coming on sky trak or affordable launch monitors after the lesson in aus got me excited
Master Teacher. Thank you sir.
Rick, could you show your complete chart filled out please. Thank You
Love the videos but I do have a ?. when doing this drill for distance do you recommend using golf balls that you actually play or would you use range balls. Is there really any difference.
Range balls might go a bit shorter but if u have acces to a pitching green use that with the balls u play with
Excellent video Rick. I'm going to create one of these charts this week.
I have historically used a percentage but I really like the clock idea...I'm going to give it a go
Really see the clock technique as helpful....think I need 9-3 more often to consistently break 90
Improving your short game is the fastest and easiest way for higher handicappers to reduce their scores. This video is a re-imagining of Dave Pelz’s wedge game theory. I would recommend his books Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible and Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible. They are very in-depth but have some really useful pointers (including this technique for distance control). They were very expensive when they came out but as they are about 20 years old now I expect you can buy them very cheaply. Dave Pelz’s tone can be irritating as it is obvious he rates himself very highly but there are some very useful techniques and drills in there that I still use now. If you are interested now would be an ideal time to read them as we can’t play golf yet!
Rick, thanks for the videos. Can you post your completed distance chart as a starter template for me? It will help to know I'm in the right ballpark. Thx
like the clock idea need to do the work on the practice ground.. Thanks Rick
Hey Rick, budget golfer here. I was wondering if you had any pics of your yardage chart? I will be able to go figure mine out late december but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. Love your videos!
Great stuff, really helpful...thanks👍
Thanks so much!
great technique and really good idea with the chart
Excellent
Great lesson. Thank you.
Solid !! I love this and can’t wait to try this thanks Rick !! 👍
Once again Rick. You are unbelievable!!!!
Thanks
The 3 trafford boys posting video's within 5 minutes of each other. Illuminati confirmed.
Rick Shields wedge swing
Damn... your smart..... hell of a teacher! Thanks buddy!
Great lesson
So in terms of percentages - would you say it's around: Full = 100%, 11-1 = 90%, 10-2 = 75%, 9-3 = 50%, 8-4 = 40%?
Great tool & one of the best videos in terms of applying it to my game goes! Thanks Rick
Excellent stuff as always, Rick!
Great video, very informative, thx
Let me know how you get on!
How do you put weight in your left and right feet during this pitch? Any weight shifting?
Loving this swing thought. Need to get on a launch monitor and give it a go :D
how does ur right arm release or straighten?
Great video Rick, this was a memorable lesson with you, still using your chart, thanks Roly
Rick has easy free access to launch monitors and he is good enough to feel where 11 o'clock and 6 o'clock are.
I could do it with more work but I think I'll stick to feel. I don't really like the idea of being so mechanical.
Cornwall1888 i also found the clock difficult to judge.What I use is my body as a judge for instance I know that if i swing from my pocket(Pants)to my other pocket it goes 30m with lobwedge.my 40m shot is from hip height to my other hip.Try it and give it a go.
Rick amazing stuff once again. Great thought process idea to help get me (and others) focused on hitting our wedges. A million thanks!
Can you do more short-mid range videos thanks!
Hi Rick, can you talk about your method here and contrast it with Phil’s “Secrets of the Short Game” hinge & hold method? Specifically there’s a part where he said if an instructor teaches you the clock face same length through and back method, you better run because that’s crazy. Are there actually similarities between the two methods or are they totally different??
What kind of launch monitor do you use, Rick?
Hey Rick. What speed does one swing ? That's my problem with hitting wedges. Thanks.
Brilliant.. thanks sooo much 👍👏👏👏
I have to say that will have to try this out I think that this will help me in my short game. I always have a problem with this distance. This is the real reason why my handle cap is so high
Thanks Rick!
Nice chart for the back pocket!
Fabulous drill and theory Rick, but not everyone can keep their left arm straight like you or youth players!, I am 66 years of age and have just switched onto your site, I think you tips and videos are FAB, but as I said am 66 years of age and play off 12 and the further I can swing back with my left arm straight is around shoulder high, if I try to swing past more than I can handle, then that is why am stuck at 12, it only takes me to screw up on two or three holes to keep me on this number! So I will keep watching your site in a hope you can give advice too older guys? I started this game up in latter life, so my bones are not supple like the youngster! Many thanks Rick!!!
alan carlyon club up mate this is your game. Thanks for playing. You don't need to hit a sand wedge 125, do what works for you.
thanks, Rick!
Rick, what little camera did you use to film this, a go pro? I love the quality.
Could you shoot up hill to get the ball to stop quickly on landing to get an accurate measurement of carry distance? A practice ground I have access has a down slope which would be no good. Any thoughts. I could book a launch monitor session but I shudder to think of the cost of working out the distances for 4 wedges.
How would you know the carry distance on the range??
Does it matter the lie? How would you adjust for deep rough?
Great video thank you
Hi Rick,
How can people do this if they don't have the tech to measure the distances? Do you recommend something for people on a budget who don't have the portable simulators? Thanks!
Could you tell me the device name that you use to track your distance each shot?
Spend this afternoon practicing my wedge yardages.
I only carry a 52 and a 58 and decided to drop out the 10-2 as I don't feel I'm good enough to differentiate between a 11-1 and a 10-2 swing.
Full 11-1 9-3
52* 105 90 50
58* 80 70 40
Does this look about right? I took the yardages from my GPS watch.
Michael Anderson you could also throw in your pitching wedge which is around 46*-48*
When you try to calibrate your distance, do you focus more on just the carry? Your carry is 92 yards on the 11-2 hand position. How do you approximate the amount of roll?
I would imagine like me he would just predict through practice but roll is variable that changes from course to course but carry is more of a constant so more important to know.
Brilliant Rick