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Pitch ShotsPitching WedgesWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 10 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Weight on the front leg during the approach: the head, too

Are you shifting your weight to your front leg, yet your approaches are still inconsistent? Simon Camirand points out a very common posture mistake: the head and upper body remain behind the ball. This causes the body to pull in two opposite directions.

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Simon Camirand
Simon Camirand · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

13 minSame problemA chip shot played like a putt: Jon Rahm's methodJon Rahm · Beginner / Intermediate3 minSame problemChip over a bunker: Butch Harmon and Rickie FowlerButch Harmon · Beginner / Intermediate5 minFrom the same proSeated Torso Rotation: Simon Camirand's StretchSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate / Seniors

What the lesson shows

At address, the feet are close together, the ball is positioned in the center or slightly back, and 60 to 70 percent of body weight—or even 80 percent—on the front leg. Weight transfer isn't helpful in this situation. The mistake Simon Camirand sees most often: the head and upper body lean backward. The weight pulls the club toward the ground, while the head sends it skyward. The hands “freak out” trying to lift the ball, or they strike on their own: hits behind the ball, thin shots, and even shanks.

The correction: The head and the center of the body follow the weight, above the ball or a little further away, almost above the front foot. With the feet slightly turned out, tilting the head back turns the shoulders to the right; tilting the head forward aligns them with the feet. The movement then becomes a shoulder rotation through the ball, keeping your weight forward at all times, without lifting your shoulders. To keep your hands steady, he suggests maintaining the same pressure in both hands from start to finish.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Bring your feet closer together and place the ball in the center of your stance or slightly back.
  2. Place 60 to 70 percent of your weight on your front leg, without exceeding 80 percent.
  3. Bring your head and upper body over the ball—or even a little further, almost over your front foot.
  4. Stand with your feet slightly apart and make sure your shoulders are facing the same direction.
  5. Rotate your shoulders backward and then across the ball, keeping your weight forward at all times.
  6. Maintain the same pressure in both hands from the address to the finish.

Key Takeaways

When approaching, 60 to 70 percent of your weight—or even 80 percent—should be on your front leg.
The head and the center of the body follow the weight: never behind the ball.
Head back, weight forward: the body is pushing in two opposite directions.
With the head forward, the shoulders face the same direction as the feet.
It's the shoulders that rotate through the ball, not the hands.
Constant pressure from the hands calms their movements.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Shift your weight forward while keeping your head behind the ball.
  • Try to lift the ball with your hands, which “flip” toward the sky.
  • Raise your shoulders instead of rotating them: the ball is struck off the heel of the club.
  • Let your hands guide the club back toward the inside after impact.
  • Squeeze your hand tighter at impact.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Control at the address: head above or in front of the ball
  2. Shoulders aligned with the feet, which are slightly apart
  3. Short swings while feeling the club glide along the ground
  4. Hand pressure is the same on the way there and on the way back

Your Questions

How much weight should you put on your front leg when approaching?

Simon Camirand mentions 60 to 70 percent, or even 80 percent, but no more than that. The weight remains in front throughout the entire movement: no transfer is needed.

Where should you position your head at the address?

Above the ball or a little further away, almost above the front foot. It should never be behind the ball.

Why do I shank my approach shots?

According to the video, this is often because the shoulders rise instead of rotating through the ball: the club then comes back to the heel.

How can I calm my hands?

Maintain the same amount of pressure in both hands throughout the entire movement. As soon as one hand tightens more, it becomes the active hand.

Learn More

All “Pitch Shots” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Spin on Approaches: Slide the Sole of the WedgeTo counter a steep angle of attack: spin is generated by the sole sliding along the ground, guided by the clubhead toward the inside of the front thigh. One-Handed Pitching: The Drill for 20 to 65 YardsFrom 20 to 65 yards, send the ball forward rather than up, using your whole body, learned through one-handed pitches, right hand then left. Wedge Pyramid: Raphaël Jacquelin's Pre-Shot RoutineRaphaël Jacquelin's pre-shot routine: a pyramid of wedges ranging from 30 to 100 m, verified by radar, with fixed distances based on the wedge, grip length, and swing amplitude. Simon CamirandAll of his lessons

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