A Simple Way to Understand the Mechanics of the Chip Shot
If you're having a tough time with your chip shots then the easiest way to get better is to first understand the mechanics of the shot.
Simply think of the chip shot like the hands of a clock…
… The bottom of your swing is at the 6 o'clock mark — the top of the swing is at 12 o'clock. The appropriate timing on these "hands of the clock" may vary, depending on how much distance you need.
For example, if you swing your club from the 6 o'clock position as your starting point, back along the target line until the backswing stops at the 3 o'clock position, then swing back again along the target line – striking the ball – your club should not stop until it reaches the 9 o'clock mark. The photo below shows the first move backwards to 3 o'clock position as your first movement along the intended line of the shot.
By the very act of swinging back along this path, you will make the necessary weight transfer before the forward or downswing occurs. It is necessary to shift your hips in a turning motion to the left with a right knee flex towards the target to begin a balanced downswing for making solid contact with the ball. Concentrate most of your effort on swinging your arms and upper torso back together, rather than too much lower body movement.
As contact occurs, keep the balance and rhythm moving down the target line, making contact and then finishing with your club head pointing at the 9 o'clock position. It's important to keep the toe of the club from turning over through impact. That results in the ball from releasing onto the green with top spin and running past the hole.
The toe of the shaft is moving down the target line and is still open. Although the ball has been struck and already on its way to the target, my focus is still looking down where the ball was because I'm keeping my head down well after the ball has left to refrain from pulling or pushing the shot. Trust in your swing motion and you'll see the balls landing where you want more often than if you keep peeking.
As the club swings freely to the 9 o'clock position, the toe will begin to roll over naturally. If you were attempting to pitch and run this shot, the toe turning over at impact would be the choice. Toe over at contact really rolls the ball well and is what I use from the sand and medium rough around the greens when that type of shot is called for. The shot from up and down with a soft landing must maintain the toe open.
The bottom line…
… Make sure you draw the club back, keeping it low to the ground right along the target line, then forward through the ball. Finish your swing pointing directly to the target line, with the same amount of distance that you took your club back, making sure to keep the club moving as you lead with the front wrist – this will keep the clubface on the target line.
This completes A Simple Way to Understand the Mechanics of the Chip Shot — look for my next article soon!
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