Looking to add variety to your chipping game? In our latest video we show you three options to control trajectory or spin for medium (or standard), low, and high.
Steps
1) Take a stance approximately shoulder width apart where the feet are close to 6-9″ apart.
2) Align 5 balls along the ground. One ball would be equal to your front toe, the fifth ball equal to your rear toe and the others filling in between.
3) The middle ball will be your stock ball position for medium trajectory and spin.
4) The shaft should be close to vertical where the butt end of the club points to the belt buckle on your pants, belly button, etc. (or at a minimum very close to it)
5) As you make your chipping motion, there is a subtle pivot, or turn both back and forward so you are facing the target when finished, and the butt end of the club is still pointed at your middle.
Lower Trajectory
1) Focusing on one of the balls that are further back in the stance (the fourth or fifth balls), the body will be in the same position and the shaft will have a slight lean towards the target, but still pointed to the mid-line, belly button, or belt buckle. Because the ball is positioned back in the stance the club will be delofted and provide the lower trajectory with less spin. However, it will still allow you to contact the ball near the sweet spot, NOT high on the face where you would lose some spin control.
2) Raise the handle slightly and move closer to the ball to accommodate. NOTE – this will open the club face so be sure to close the face slightly)
NOTE: When reaching the finish position on lower trajectory shots, the butt end of the grip should be pointed to the front side pocket (left pocket for right handers and right pocket for left handers)
Higher Trajectory
1) Focusing on one of the balls further forward in the stance (the first or second balls), the body will again remain in the same set up position but the shaft will have a slight lean AWAY from the target (yet still pointed at the mid-line, belly button, or belt buckle). With an away shaft lean the club now has more loft and you will hit the ball higher.
2) For higher trajectory shots the hands have a short swing arc while the club head has a larger swing arc; i.e. the hands travel very little while the head moves a much larger distance in relationship to other shots.
NOTE: When reaching the finish position on higher trajectory shots, the butt end of the grip should be pointed to the trail side pocket (right pocket for right handers and left pocket for left handers)
To learn more about James Ridyards phenomenal work with chipping check out his webiste:
Also be sure to follow him on social media; Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the most up to date information.
If you would like to be added to our weekly email list click here:
Want to hear from great coaches, fitness guru’s, industry leaders and more? Check out our podcast; ‘Golf 360’ at or on all major podcast apps.
What is The Golf Paradigm (Pair-a-dime)?
The Golf Paradigm is a theory that encompasses a Whole-In-One approach to improvement. It begins with the overall paradigm; i.e. the game of golf. Followed by two parts that are always to remain in balance; i.e. the golf yin/yang – ‘improving’ and ‘enjoyment’. Helping to maintain that balance are the 5 elements of the game; the swing, club fitting, health/fitness, mental, and integration. Knowing which area to focus on and how the other areas supplement that helps to form the golfers ‘recipe’ for improvement. As the golfer improves their recipe, or what is focused on, changes and this is what allows them to reach levels of play they never thought possible. It’s not magical, but it’s close.
Contact The Golf Paradigm:
EMAIL: info@thegolfparadigm.com
Follow The Golf Paradigm:
Our BLOG:
FACEBOOK:
TWITTER:
INSTAGRAM:
PODCAST: Golf 360: (found on all podcast apps; Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Google Play)