Short Game Swing Action

In general terms the length of the swing will determine how far you will be able to hit each shot. 

The loft and length of the club selected have an influence of course, but longer swings allow for more acceleration of the club head and therefore greater distance potential when using the same club. 

Exercise: Take two different length swings with a pitching wedge

The longer swing creates a higher ball flight due to the increased club head speed.

Exercise: Now take the same length swing with a pitching wedge and a lob wedge

With the same length swing with different clubs the pitching wedge travels further.  The lob wedge goes higher due to added loft but does not travel as far as it has less forward momentum.

Tip: A Simple Rule of Thumb

Shorter swing = lower flight, more roll

Longer swing = higher flight, less roll

Better players’  follow-throughs are slightly shorter than their backswings.