PITCHING LIKE A PRO: DAN GRIEVE’S SPIN-CONTROL TIPS & DRILLS

Why Spin Matters in Pitching

In the short game, spin is king. It’s what separates a good pitch from a great one. Dan Grieve, one of Europe’s most respected short game coaches, emphasizes spin control as the foundation of elite pitching. Whether you’re playing tight lies or soft greens, mastering spin give you options and confidence.

Drill 1: Stable Lead Side for Consistent Contact

Purpose: Build a reliable strike and eliminate fat shots.

• Set up with a slightly open stance.

• Focus on keeping your lead leg firm and resisting lateral sway.

• Feel like your lead knee is a post - your upper body rotates around it.

• This drill trains your body to stay centered and deliver the club with precision.

Pro Tip: Use alignment sticks or a foam roller outside your lead hip to reinforce stability.

Drill 2: Rotational Movement for Natural Spin

Purpose: Encourage body-led motion and reduce hand manipulation.

• Take half swings with a focus on rotating your chest through impact.

• Let your arms follow your torso - don’t force the clubhead.

• Finish with your belt buckle facing the target.

Why it Works: Spin is generated by clean contact and shallow angle of attack. Rotation helps you achieve both.

Drill 3: Tee-Peg Spin Drill

Purpose: Train precise contact and spin generation

• Place a tee 1 inch in front of the ball, pointing toward the target.

• Your goal: clip the ball cleanly and land the clubhead just past the tee.

• If you hit the tee first, you’re too steep. If you miss it entirely, you’re too shallow.

Dan’s Insight: “This drill teaches you where the low point of your swing should be. Spin comes from brushing the turf - not digging into it”

Bringing It All Together

Practice these drills in sequence: stabilize your lead side, rotate through the shot, and refine your contact with the tee drill. Over time, you’ll notice more spin, better control, and fewer mistakes under pressure.