One of the reoccurring challenges I find during my research is how amateurs do not maintain a stable platform when chipping. We have a tendency to ‘help’ our club through contact by moving our lower body more than needed. This particular swing fault is almost counterintuitive because most of us feel that keeping the same motion while chipping and striking the ball makes sense. Well, this is not the case and creating a more stable lower body on short chips promotes a consistent, repeatable golf swing that helps lower our golf scores.

The greatest challenge I faced was understanding what a quiet lower body actually meant. I tried many different things with little to know success. I eventually got there, however I would have loved to have this drill on my journey.

By moving my right foot back and forcing most of my weight on my left foot, I am able to understand how my weight distribution (which I have talked about a fair bit in the blog) needs to be part of my swing. By transferring 60 to 70% of my weight forward, I am able to feel my lower body lock in place. There is a bit of movement, but so little that it does not affect my shot.

“Because the ball does not travel a great distance in a chip, the shoulders provide all the power necessary for this shot. Setting the lower body by bending the knees and maintaining that position throughout the swing makes the chip shot easier to execute. In the chip shot, the lower body is used only for balance; too much lower-body action makes it difficult to contact the ball squarely. Once you set your feet, legs, and hips, they should be relaxed but move little throughout the swing.” (https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/chip-shots)

Keeping our lower body stable during any chip is important. It took me a bit of time to figure out all the details that worked for my swing. I recommend you practice in order to develop your chipping technique that works for your game. I will definitely improve your overall score.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!