[Yoda]

light bulb moment!

Thanks Lynn, I realise I have been using hand manipulation to prevent myself from 'digging' in too deep

The secret to playing from poor and tight lies is 'pinch'; that is, the Clubshaft leans well forward and the Hands (with the Flat Left Wrist) lead through Impact. And the secret to 'pinch' on the short shots is to move your Pivot Center (Head or Point-between-the-Shoulders) slightly left -- either at Address or even during the Backstroke -- of its normal mid-stance location. This is what Brian does, and I never get tired of watching him execute these shots.

When seeking 'severe pinch', you should additionally play the ball well back toward the right foot. In extreme situations, Brian will actually locate the ball outside his right toe. All this moves the Low Point of the Stroke decidedly left of the Ball Location and produces a steep Angle of Attack that avoids the grass or ground behind the ball.

But, when playing such a shot, here's another really important thing:

Think "Float".

On almost all pitch shots, even the lower ones, that is your objective. However long the 'air' time (versus 'ground' time), you are 'pitching pennies' and should seek an "underhand pitch, motion and feel" whether you are lobbing, pinching or severely pinching the shot. Especially from poor lies, most golfers attempt to 'gouge' the ball up and out. The lie intimidates, and they subconsciously hit the ball harder than required to get the ball airborne and out of its predicament. Remember, the Hands are only clamps. As such, they control Clubface alignments. They do not produce Power.

Instead of relying on Clubhead Acceleration (Lag Pressure) to extricate the ball, rely on the pre-set Pivot Center / Ball Location and resulting steep Angle of Attack (Geometry). Despite the resulting lower trajectory -- which will be higher if you add Cut (Open Clubface and Plane Line) -- the intent to 'float' the ball toward the flagstick will soften the shot and add to your control.

Do this, and you will be amazed at how your short game will improve.