Struggling with solid contact on your chip shots? Here are three straightforward tips to improve your chipping technique and get more consistent results around the greens.
First, set up much closer to the ball—about one grip length away is a good benchmark. Observations from top players show that the best chippers position themselves closest to the ball, while those who struggle tend to stand farther away. This closer setup helps you control the club better and make cleaner contact.
Grip Down the Shaft to Shorten the Radius
Second, grip the club way down, all the way to the shaft. Since you are standing closer, this adjustment shortens your swing radius, giving you better control and precision. A shorter radius is crucial for chip shots because the swing is very short, and you have limited time to correct any mistakes during the backswing or downswing.
Maintain the Shaft on Plane
Third, keep the shaft on plane throughout your swing. Many contact problems arise from being too under plane either in the backswing or downswing. To help with this, set up a stick just under your shaft plane as a visual guide. The clubhead should move up through your hands on the way back, which might feel a bit up and out to some players, but it’s an effective way to ensure solid contact.
These three points—closer setup, gripping down, and maintaining the shaft plane—are excellent starting points for improving your chip shots from a down-the-line perspective. There’s more to explore from the face-on view, so if you’re interested, let me know!
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