How to make a pitching stroke is controversial. There are those who would say that it is a unique kind of stroke, separate from the full swing. Within that school there are different varieties of different. There is also a school, which I agree with, that says you should build your full swing around your pitching stroke.

That does not mean the two strokes are identical, though. The grip pressure for a pitch should be lighter than the one used for a full swing. The stroke will of course be shorter. This is a finesse stroke, so you don’t have to power your way into the ball. And though you don’t have to take a divot when pitching, if you do, it doesn’t need to be the size of a dinner plate. But other than that, the two strokes are the same.

Most important, I believe, is a similarity that leads to consistently hitting well-struck pitches. That is the finish. In your full swing you finish standing straight, facing the target, with the club wrapped around your shoulders. Finish your pitches the same way.

That might sound artificial, since the momentum of the stroke doesn’t really force a pitching swing to go that far. But swinging to a full finish creates a smooth, controlled stroke through the ball. If you cut the finish short, you’re subtly tensing up through impact, and we know that leads to.