Video Lesson - Chipping

[Ringer]

Here is a video lesson I put together this weekend on chipping. It's just basic setup and fixing the #1 issue I see with golfers when it comes to chipping.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm1kQPPMp2g

[denver_nuggs_15]

very well done. The blockade idea is a terrific idea. I think i may try it. Keep up the good work and i hope to watch some more videos.

[MPS67]

Hi Ringer,

I like your video. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a few questions that weren't covered.

1. I can't tell from the camera angle if your front foot (left) is a little open. I've seen many golfers place their forward foot back from the target line a few inches, with others even opening up their foot up as well. What would you suggest and why?

2. I have difficulties with short chips. For example, the ball is 3-5 ft in front of the green and the hole is 3-5ft from the fringe. My problem is trying to control the length the ball rolls as it either rolls too far or lands short and gets caught up in the fringe grass before the green. Here, I use a LW of about 60° and a slower paced and very short back and down swing. I don't get very much back spin or check up as it is difficult for me to accelerate into the ball with a 6 inch swing length. Do you have a special technique for this type of shot?

3. What is your grip position (weak, neutral, strong) and grip strength (tight, medium, light)?

4. You mentioned to avoid getting grass caught between the club face and ball because it reduces spin and subsequent check up. When the grass 3-6ft. before the green is an inch or so tall, how can I avoid it?

5. While the lower body remains inactive and out of the shot, what is the active thought for the upper body? It looks like you shift laterally forward a foot or so. How much do you rotate your shoulders? It's difficult to tell from the video.

6. Is the downswing driven by the shoulders only, shoulders and arms together, or just arms?

Steve, thanks for the video lesson and any upcoming response to my questions.

Mark

[Ringer]

Hi Ringer,

Set your feet perpendicular to the clubface. As for a flared open foot it has more to do with your finish than setup. See my walk through drill (

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnQ6RHepJgk ) for more on whether or not you should flare it.

2. I have difficulties with short chips. For example, the ball is 3-5 ft in front of the green and the hole is 3-5ft from the fringe. My problem is trying to control the length the ball rolls as it either rolls too far or lands short and gets caught up in the fringe grass before the green. Here, I use a LW of about 60° and a slower paced and very short back and down swing. I don't get very much back spin or check up as it is difficult for me to accelerate into the ball with a 6 inch swing length. Do you have a special technique for this type of shot?

This shot takes a lot of touch and it also depends on the lie. If the lie is poor then you have to play it like a bunker shot. If it's good, you need to make sure you make a descending blow. This descending blow is what makes the ball spin.

3. What is your grip position (weak, neutral, strong) and grip strength (tight, medium, light)?

Neutral, and yes I just did a video on that too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htZmOIZWjzU I believe in a light grip on the club, but this usually has more to do with the condition of the grip that's on the club.

4. You mentioned to avoid getting grass caught between the club face and ball because it reduces spin and subsequent check up. When the grass 3-6ft. before the green is an inch or so tall, how can I avoid it?

Believe it or not it's the same setup but just with a much more open clubface. With an open face but still making a steep descending blow you avoid a lot of grass. It's not 100% avoidable, but the "back in your stance, hands ahead, and weight on your front foot" all make it much less problematic.

5. While the lower body remains inactive and out of the shot, what is the active thought for the upper body? It looks like you shift laterally forward a foot or so. How much do you rotate your shoulders? It's difficult to tell from the video.

The shoulders only rotate as much as it takes to move the club back. There is no active thought other than "throw the club". But that's just a general thought I have for all my swings.

6. Is the downswing driven by the shoulders only, shoulders and arms together, or just arms?

Seriously why are you even concerned with such things and minor details? Why not just SWING?

Steve, thanks for the video lesson and any upcoming response to my questions. Mark

You're welcome.

[MPS67]

Seriously why are you even concerned with such things and minor details? Why not just SWING?


I've decided to improve my short game in order to lower my scores. I'm very analytical in nature and feel more comfortable if I can first understand the basic principles and correct swing fundamentals. If I just swing the club without conducting any homework, I won't be doing myself any favors with poor practice. If there's something I don't understand and someone with skill and knowledge is willing to help, I'll ask questions. Hopefully, I can get some good answers and pieces of information that'll get me closer to completing the puzzle.

Although my journey is far from over, I've come a long way to a better game over the years.

Thank you Steve for helping me along on that path

[Arsenal Forever]

I've been having some problems with my chipping, I'll be sure to watch this a few times. Thanks

[Ringer]

Seriously why are you even concerned with such things and minor details? Why not just SWING?

I can truely understand your point of view because I have quite the same analytical nature. Only problem is you can easily get too caught up in the details.

Next time you tie your shoes, try to count how many different directions you move the laces. Then analyze the finger pressure on the laces. Now figure was is the hand leading your fingers, or finders leading your hands? Did you move your head? How much spine angle did you have when tying your shoes? It's just way too easy to think unimportant things are somehow important.