Chip Better Immediately
Improving your chipping can be accomplished quickly when you understand a few basic principles.
Grip your club in the same way you normally do with one exception. The upper hand must be in a neutral position. A neutral position has the back of the upper hand facing at the target. A neutral grip helps to keep the club pointing at the target which will allow you to chip better.
Position the ball an inch or two back in your stance. Back in your stance means positioning the ball an inch or two toward your back foot. Positioning the ball back in your stance is helpful for two reasons. It promotes hitting the ball with a descending blow. It also promotes hitting the ball lower. The lower trajectory gets the ball rolling to your target, rolling the ball allows for greater accuracy.
Adjust your head, shoulder, and hips an inch or two forward toward the target. You will feel your center of gravity over your target side leg. It is important that all three body parts, head, shoulder, and hips are moved forward. This position promotes striking the ball with a descending blow. It is important to maintain this forward position during the back swing and forward swing allowing you to chip better.
Your hand position at address should be slightly in front of the ball. The farther in front of the ball you place your hands the lower the shot will go and the greater the roll.
Stand closer to the ball for short chips. This will get the club shaft into a more vertical position, similar to putting. This more vertical position will increase your accuracy helping you to chip better immediately.
The movement of the club is caused by rotating your torso and hips. Your arms and hands should move back and forward as a result of this rotational motion. At first there is a natural instinct to push at the ball with your hands and arms. With a little practice you can overcome this hitting instinct and start to chip better.
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