It’s BOTH!
LENGTH OF SWING:
I teach my students to use a clock system in order to train swing length. For example a right handed player, a 9 o’clock backswing length would be when the players arms are parallel to the ground in the backswing. I like the follow through to mirror the backswing length, so stopping when then players arms are at 3 o’clock. The 3 wedge swing lengths I train are 8&4, 9&3, 10&2.
PACE/SPEED
Once a player has mastered their feel of 8&4, 9&3, 10&2… they’re ready to lock-in on their consistent pace OR speed in which their body rotates. I say wedge distance control is both length and pace/speed, because I can turn fast with a 9&3 wedge swing, or very slowly still making a 9&3 swing, and the second one will always carry shorter. The key for the PACE is get consistent with the speed of body rotation. There is a correct speed of rotation for you. Below is a sample wedge chart, you’ll notice everything is about a 15yd gap.
Fill the GAPS:
This is how I know if my players are rotating at THEIR correct pace. I have them hit their PW full, and get an average carry. From there I am able to fill out a wedge chart of what each club and swing length should carry. Below is my wedge chart for reference:
WEDGE CHART
PW – 135 (f), 120 (10&2)
50 deg – 120 (f), 105 (10&2)
56 deg – 105 (f), 90 (10&2)
60 deg – 90 (f), 75 (10&2), 60 (9&3), 45 (8&4)
**inside my last number of wedge chart (45yds) is where I play chips pitches (feel shots)**
**Important – these are carry distances**