How to improve chipping/pitch shots?

[JML22]

So is there a specific way to work on these shots from fairway/fringe/rough?
Biggest weakness in my game right now by far

[RIduffer]

Cue the video to 1:00 and watch the chip shot he hits. Can you do this? Can you hit chip shots and pitch shots keeping the left wrist flat, where the club does not over-take the hands? For me this is key to consistency with chip/pitch shots.

[CG031]

Technique and Practice...pretty much just like anything else.

this may help

http://www.keepmygolfscore.com/blog/...-pitching.html

[JML22]

What about those like low trajectory hop hop stop shots?
i want to add that to my inventory because every now and then i'm in a spot where it would be awesome.

[RC]

Open the face just ever so slightly, weight on left side, hands slightly forward, and then see how slowly you can swing back and through. Start out hitting them only a few feet (see just how short you can make them go, even with a sand or 58-60 degree wedge) then add a couple of yards, and work your way to a bit longer... but don't speed up, use the same tempo while you learn to feel the bounce of the club working. You will know the bounce is right when the face of the club still points upward through the shot (does not wind up with the toe up to the sky.) That's how I try to do it and my only thought is ... slow backswing and no quick turn around point -- in other words don't jeck it forward, let it start falling then just turn through it. Clubhead should finish to the right of your hands. Nothing new here. Just about every one says these same things. If you start short, then you learn the length of the backswing and tempo you need and your body will learn how far to hit it. Oh, and if in some more difficult lies, I sort of line up with the toe of the club more down, and use more of a putting stroke.

[RIduffer]

What about those like low trajectory hop hop stop shots?

So are we to assume that you already have a solid grasp of basic pitch/chip fundamentals? Otherwise, it doesn't make sense (IMO) to be worrying about spinning the ball.

Two people offered advice on fundamentals including links to relevant information. Was that helpful or stuff you already can do?

[JML22]

Yeah, i have troubles in deep rough i dont know how to hit it.
Too deep to get it up and roll it up nicely, to great of a risk of flubbing it because its so thick
Can i just hammer down on it and get it to stop on teh green?
i've seen people do it and they make it look easy

[senorchipotle]

Yeah, i have troubles in deep rough i dont know how to hit it.

well, in long grass hitting down on it is the fastest way to find yourself chipping on the opposite side of the green. you've got to get under the ball to get any kind of spin on it. out of deep rough, i prefer a slightly closed face flop as the grass will open the face before contact with the ball.

[JML22]

wait you close the face and try to get under it?

[soloredd]

Cue the video to 1:00 and watch the chip shot he hits. Can you do this? Can you hit chip shots and pitch shots keeping the left wrist flat, where the club does not over-take the hands? For me this is key to consistency with chip/pitch shots.

I had an absolute shite range session today, starting topping it again and battling with my stupid takeaway (way to inside). So I started just chipping through my bucket and this video is perfect for visually describing what to do. I actually did the same progression in the video, never seen it before, and it got my confidence back a bit. For me, it is not only about keeping the left wrist flat but also turning the through the shot. I think most of us get caught either being handsy when we get to the ball or stopping the club at impact - sure ways to duff or blade the ball.

[NZGolfer]

well, in long grass hitting down on it is the fastest way to find yourself chipping on the opposite side of the green. you've got to get under the ball to get any kind of spin on it. out of deep rough, i prefer a slightly closed face flop as the grass will open the face before contact with the ball.

other way round i think

[billysandy]

as soon as i read this thread, I immediately thought hands forward, never letting the club head past the hands.

[Tiger Spuds]

Number 1 rule for chipping/pitching, and the most common mistake I used to make myself and see people make all the time..

Do not decelerate coming into the ball.

[JML22]

yeah
I flubbed a couple last night

[martytilma]

I would suggest renting or buying "Secrets of the Short Game" by Phil Mickelson. A lot of great tips on chipping. It's really helped my short game from inside 50 yards. Plus he has some sweet trick shots that you will get a kick out of.

[inthecup]

I always think continue your hands to the target. Keep your head down.

[iacas]

Cue the video to 1:00 and watch the chip shot he hits.

Those are drills for a full swing.

I don't recommend hitting many chip or pitch shots like that. I recommend soft elbows that stay fairly well connected to your lower torso for pitches and chips.

[GDIB_net]

AJ Bonar has a great short game video. I suggest you check it out. It's very simple and I've seen it in action. Good luck. GDIB