Each time I set up for a chip (from any distance really), I have the expectation of chipping in. Of course this rarely happens, but I do not think that lag chipping is the proper approach to playing aggressive golf. Believe me when I tell you that I have hit some terrible chips, but the mental process of focusing on dropping a chip is always at the front of my mind. I believe that this approach is best suited for my game and has a dual function that helps to routinely lower my golf score; I think this approach will help your game as well.
To accomplish my goal of chipping in, I have to ensure that technique supports my intent. For the most part, my chipping is okay (self-assessment) and I my misses are not too damaging to my score. Unfortunately, I do have stretches where I could not chip the ball on the green if I was standing beside it. For the purposes of this article, my distance from the green for a chip in is 20 yards or less.
My chipping technique has evolved over the years. I have worked on reducing my wrist movement and have tried to incorporate a whole body approach of big muscles. It seems like a different approach to beginners, but the less wrist movement was my goal to successful chipping. Of course, through my journey, I have developed my own technique, as all golfers should, that fits my skill level. This technique should evolve with keeping some fundamental movements that I can use to build success. The following video offers two of these movements:
When I chipping with success, I do have the proper chest and wrist movements. I hear solid contact off the face and I am able to control my flight distance very well. Using the big muscles in my shoulders, back and core are very important to hitting the chip shot I envision. When I neglect to use any of these techniques, especially breaking my wrists, The failure to use the proper technique all the time is a mental breakdown on my part and I will continue to struggle with this error I am sure. But, knowing that I have the proper foundation for consistent chipping helps me when standing over the ball.
Chipping in is always my goal. When I keep this in mind, my misses result in an easier and short putt to finish the hole. I do not intentionally try to cozy the ball up to the hole because I do not see the point. I realize that playing defensively is very important on some shots because of the course conditions and layout. However, by aiming small, like the hole, I have a tendency to miss small. That is always my goal when chipping. To accomplish my intent, I need to ensure that I engage my big muscles and not my wrists as the video explains. When this happens, I expect to chip in every time. When it does, then I have hit the perfect golf shot……right?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
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Love the article. Chipping is definitely one of the many aspects of golf that you need to build confidence. A technique I use when teaching to ensure the student has a good ball strike is to place a tee (flat on the ground), about 1-2 inches in front of the ball. The student must also put the tee in air with the ball. This allows the individual to have good contact at the bottom of the ball and their hands moving through to the target, while keeping their focus ahead of the ball at set up. When out on the course they can continue to focus ahead of the ball while imagining a tee is there.
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Lisa,
Great to hear from you. That is a great tip. Thanks. I think most readers can see the benefit from using this easy, repeatable drill.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, good thought provoker here. As you mention, it’s important to try and hole chips but the defensive play does throw the occasional wrench into the gears. It’s important to drill in your big muscle technique and also to practice charging chips and chipping defensively, since the mindset is so different. As a general rule of thumb, I’ll practice 75-80% of my chips uphill, so I drill myself to “make it”. Turn around and chip downhill, and the defensive mindset is totally different, where you are trying not to do damage by missing big. A defensive mishit is often more costly and requires you to concentrate hard on making good contact.
If you want a good challenge, find a side hill chip with a big breaking run out to practice from. This puts a premium on hitting your landing spot and will accentuate any misses.
Hope you are still in good form!
Brian
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Brian,
You practice routine is a solid one. Placing the ball in different and more difficult hitting positions will definitely benefit our short game. Practicing all sorts of scenarios is a great technique to conquer the challenges on the course. My game is still good. I have a match tomorrow morning, so we shall see. How is your game after coming back?
Cheers Jim
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Jim, went out after work on Friday for an emergency nine and it turned into 18 holes finishing in the near dark. Started out pretty ragged but finished strong. I was pleased with 76 after 33 days without a round. Funny how I played better the harder it was to see my targets. 🙂 Thanks for asking.
Brian
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Great news Brian. You were probably focused on hitting the ball more due to darkness….that might be a good article. Have a great weekend.
Cheers Jim
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