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Pitching WedgesSpin (create a…)Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert ⏱ 6 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Spin on Approaches: Slide the Sole of the Wedge

To get the ball to spin, do you have to smash it into the ground at a very steep angle? Simon Camirand debunks this myth: spin comes from the sole of the club sliding along the ground and the clubhead making contact with the bottom of the ball. A lesson for players who already make solid contact.

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

To be continued

10 minSame problemJustin Thomas's backspin pitch: grip and handsJustin Thomas · Expert12 minSame problemJon Rahm's Open-Face Wedges: His Reference PointsJon Rahm · Expert5 minFrom the same proSeated Torso Rotation: Simon Camirand's StretchSimon Camirand · Beginner / Intermediate / Seniors

What the lesson shows

The biggest myth about spin on approach shots, according to Simon Camirand: believing that you have to to arrive at the very bottom to pinch the ball against the ground. At this angle, the club tends to strike the middle or even the top of the ball, and the spin disappears. To make the ball spin, on the other hand, you need to The club's sole slides across the ground at impact, so that the bottom of the clubhead makes contact with the bottom of the ball first. The club therefore returns more horizontally than vertically.

Landmark: at address, The tip of the club points toward the inner part of the front thigh, never outward. On the downswing, bring the end of the club toward the inside of that thigh, and then Let your hands release the wedge behind the ball rather than keeping your wrist stiff. After impact, the clubhead is still pointing toward your thigh. This lesson is for players who are comfortable with ball contact: if your shots are inconsistent, he recommends revisiting the basics first.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Stand with the tip of the club pointing toward the inside of your front thigh.
  2. Make your usual chip-shot backswing.
  3. As you lower the club, bring the end of the club toward the inside of your front thigh.
  4. Let your hands release the wedge behind the ball, without locking your wrist.
  5. Feel the sole of your shoe glide across the floor beneath the ball.
  6. After impact, keep the clubhead pointed toward your thigh as you rotate.

Key Takeaways

A very steep angle of attack reduces spin.
The club should make contact with the bottom of the ball, not the middle or the top.
The sole slides across the ground upon impact.
At address, the tip of the club points toward the inner part of the front thigh.
On the downswing, your hands release the wedge behind the ball.
A lesson for players who already have regular contact with others.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Aim to hit the ball at a very vertical angle.
  • Point the tip of the club toward the outside of your thigh at the address.
  • Keep your wrist completely stiff at impact.
  • Force a hand movement on the downswing instead of bringing the clubhead back toward your thigh.
  • Exaggerating the easing of restrictions when relations are already fragile.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Check the clubhead against the inner part of the front thigh
  2. Small steps as I listen to the sole of my shoe glide along
  3. Watch the ball come to a stop after the first bounce
  4. Go back to basics if the relationship starts to deteriorate

Your Questions

Do you have to swing down hard to create spin?

No, that's the myth that Simon Camirand debunks. An angle that's too vertical causes the club to make contact with the middle or top of the ball and reduces spin.

Where should the end of the club point at the address?

Toward the inner part of the front thigh, never outward. On the downhill, bring it back to that same point.

Should the hands remain passive?

No: You need to let your hands release the wedge behind the ball. The more correctly they move, the more the ball spins.

Is this technique suitable for beginners?

He reserves this for players who already have good form. If you're having trouble keeping your wrists steady or making solid contact with the ball, work on the basic lessons first.

Learn More

All “Pitching and Wedges” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Spin” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you 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. Where the Chip Lands: A Lesson from the FFGolfBasic chip shot based on the landing spot, 1 to 1.50 m from the green: a slightly downward strike controlled by a club on the ground, followed by a flight/roll calibration. Simon CamirandAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Simon Camirand). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

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