Pitch Shots and Grip Strength

[Chris Sturgess]

I have noticed that it is easier to mishit pitch shots with a strong grip and consistently solid contact is not as difficult with a weaker grip, or at least neutral. I read in a Dave Pelz book that he says there should be a short game grip which is weaker than normal. What do you guys think, does a strong grip make contact on pitch shots harder.

 

[Leek]

Experiment and see what works. when I've done that I found for me I need a neutral grip and need to make sure I load the club on the backswing.

 

[joeunc]

just as leek said,,I use a neutral grip and have read the Pelz books also. Even more neutrel than Manzella Neutral on some pitches for me. If I go to strong,,I usually get the wedge inside too quickly and lead with the hosel and don't keep the "fly on the face" looking at ball as Brian says. Neutal grip allows more upright wedge swing, more loading the club and allows that "throwaway on purpose" for some pitches.

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

I have noticed that it is easier to mishit pitch shots with a strong grip and consistently solid contact is not as difficult with a weaker grip, or at least neutral. I read in a Dave Pelz book that he says there should be a short game grip which is weaker than normal. What do you guys think, does a strong grip make contact on pitch shots harder.

Weak grips make it easier to not deloft the club through the ball which would negatively influence flight and spin.

HOWEVER

If you only use wrist cock and no roll (angled hinge) for those types of shots and don't deloft the club that's a great way to do short game shots.

It really depends on what you like to do. Just remember if you going to mess around with a strong grip for short stuff, just make sure to angle hinge (half roll).