Basic chipping\pitching technique

[BrianW]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Brian(s) - my little garden break through didn't last, in fact the shanking got worse the more I practiced, so I bit the bullet and went to see a different pro (different methods, fresh look etc.) than the one I'd been using for my full swing rebuild.

As well as shortening my back swing which I was already working on, he came up with two immediate things to work on which I pass on to Miff in case they help. In his opinion:

i) I was standing too close to the ball and he wants me to practice by exaggerating my distance away from the ball at set up.

ii) My legs, especially the right one where my knee kicks in, are far too active, passive but not rigid is the message

Three practice sessions so far, good improvement - poor shots seeming to come when old set up habits set in.

Robin,

Didn't realise you were shanking your chip shots, I thought the problem was hitting fat and thin.

[bdbl]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Robin,

Didn't realise you were shanking your chip shots, I thought the problem was hitting fat and thin.

No, alas the original underlying problem was the ball shooting off at 45 degrees. Whilst not every time it was definitely a question not of "if" but of "when" which in turn led to some tentative decelling and the fat and thin shots then followed.

The sad thing though is that it got to the stage where a bladed chip counted as an improvement

Hopefully though the cause has been identified and I can work on solving the problem.

[golfshooter]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Hi, Peter here, I was playing around on the practice green a couple of days ago and was reminded of an easy technique to get a handle on how much force to use to get the ball to bounce where you want on a chip and run. Simply use your right hand (assuming you are right handed) in an open stance to swing your chosen club and chip your ball towards the spot you have chosen for it to bounce. You will find that it is about the same amount of force that you would use to underarm toss the ball to that spot. So toss it a few times then chip a few times. Play around with it, even have a friendly contest with a mate. It works I guarantee it.

Regards Peter.

[miffin]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Ah found it Peter. Sounds common sense. Will try it Monday. I didnt do much good Wednesday. Hope I can improve before season sstarts.
Bri

[miffin]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

That is a very good tip Peter. I have taken all tips from this thread. I now have an improved chip\ptch technique. However, the final thing seems to be that "imagine throwing the ball" thing with your right hand. That really did help me. I am not perfect yet and skulled a couple but overall best I have done.
Bri

[golfshooter]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

I am really pleased it helped, enjoy your journey.
Kind regards, Peter

[GolfGurl]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Thanks Greg for some good information. Just played a round of golf. My short game is in dire need of "rust" protection. First time out after the winter here in the northeast. Will try your idea for chipping as a game in and of itself.

[GolfGurl]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Hi, Peter here, I was playing around on the practice green a couple of days ago and was reminded of an easy technique to get a handle on how much force to use to get the ball to bounce where you want on a chip and run. Simply use your right hand (assuming you are right handed) in an open stance to swing your chosen club and chip your ball towards the spot you have chosen for it to bounce. You will find that it is about the same amount of force that you would use to underarm toss the ball to that spot. So toss it a few times then chip a few times. Play around with it, even have a friendly contest with a mate. It works I guarantee it.

Regards Peter.

Great idea Peter to think "toss the ball"... it is the same action as in chipping. I sometimes find myself trying too hard and the ball skids straight across the green... of course into a trap on the far side.

[miffin]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Durrrr!! What dope. I really did improve with this chipping etc. But today I had to do it when the chips were down. Blinkin disaster. Messed most of em up. Have to keep practising I suppose.

Bri

[golfshooter]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Hi, yes it really sucks when you put so much practice in only to find playing the course so much different, but you can do it thats a good thing to know. Now you must practice with lots of different lies so that when that shot is needed in your game you have played it so often in practice that you dont have your head full of theory or "can I do it" you just look at the shot needed size it up and swing with confidence. Dont worry you have already come a long way.
Regards Peter

[miffin]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

You are right Peter. It was all in the mind. Thanks.

Bri

[Wil]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Here's something I read and seems to work: It's always easier to roll the ball to the hole rather than fly it so for an ideal chip, with lots of green to work with, use-
an 8 iron -- 1/3 air time (pick a target) and 2/3 roll (to the hole)
or less favored-
a PW-- 1/2 air time (pick a target) and 1/2 roll (to the hole)
and even less favored
a SW-- 2/3 air time (pick a target) and 1/3 roll (to the hole)

Works like a damn! ...Wil

[miffin]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

It all sounds so easy. But when the chips are down, I skull it or chip it short!

Bri

[Wil]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Make sure you shorten your swing along with a narrow, slightly open stance.
Also, you can try a putting grip where the right hand is more dominant, but you can only do this with the above short swing.
Give it a try-who knows? ...Wil

[BrianW]

Re: Basic chipping\pitching technique

Chipping requires you to commit to the shot (Like any good golf shot) If you lack confidence then the chances are you will fluff it.

I like to take two or three practice swings while looking at the landing point so that I feel the right weight for the shot, then move to the ball and take then chip without looking up again.