Get Your Chip Shots Closer To The Hole – Two Drills To Help
It’s frustrating when your chips don’t finish as close to the hole as you would like. Ever wonder why that happens? Well, it’s most likely because you’re trying to “help” the ball into the air by lifting it from the underside. What you actually need to do is hit slightly down on it. When you attempt to lift the ball, it can cause your wrists to flip at impact - creating a scooping motion. This action can send the ball rolling off the clubface, adding loft to the shot, reducing spin and stopping the ball from going where you want it to go.
Hello, missed shot!
To hit solid chips and improve your distance, you should aim to move the club with your body’s pivot and NOT your hands. This kind of pivot allows you to strike down with a firm lead wrist and the shaft leaning slightly towards the target. You want to feel like your upper and lower body are pivoting smoothly towards the target through impact.
These two drills will help you learn how to pivot and get rid of that flip for good.
#1. Club under your armpit
Take your lead hand and grasp the club midway up the shaft, then slide the grip under your lead armpit. The shaft should rest against the inside of your forearm. From here, pivot your body back and forward, keeping contact between the shaft and your forearm.
As long as you maintain that connection when you chip, your hands and arms can’t take over the swing and make you flick at the ball.
#2. Holding the clubface
Grab the face of a wedge with your trail hand and angle the shaft so the grip end is lodged between the side of your torso and your lead arm’s bicep. Pretend as if your trail palm is the clubface and you want to move it toward your target. Maintain the connection between your lead arm and rib cage. As long as that shaft stays put, you need to pivot your body toward the target to achieve a proper chipping motion.
These two drills can be practised anywhere so there’s no excuse for not doing it! At home, at the golf club, in the backyard. You could even practise at the office if you don’t mind a few funny looks. Could be a great way to turn the conversation to golf!
Next time you’re on the course, remember the feel and motion these drills create and just watch as you hit these shots close more often!
