Master Your Chipping Tempo and Rotation

Chipping anxiety often leads to “blading” or “chunking” shots. Christina Ricci explains that the secret to consistent chips is moving away from a “handsy” stroke and letting your chest drive the motion.

The “Country Road” Tempo

Avoid the “rush hour” urge to accelerate or jab at the ball.

• Even Rhythm: Maintain a smooth, consistent tempo throughout the swing.
• Passive Hands: Your hands and arms should simply go along for the ride. If your hands come to a “screeching halt” after impact, the clubhead will flip and cause a mishit.

The Chest-Driven Stroke

Instead of using your wrists, think of your chest as the motor of the chip shot.

• Connection: Keep your upper arms connected to your torso.
• The Finish: When you finish the shot, your lead arm should be straight, your hands should be well past your body, and the clubhead should remain below your hands.
• Rotate Around the Head: Keep your head steady and rotate your chest around that central axis.

Proper Setup for Crisp Contact

• Weight Forward: Keep more weight on your front side throughout the entire motion.
• Eye Line: Instead of focusing on “keeping your head down” (which freezes your chest), keep your eye line slightly ahead of the ball. This naturally moves your sternum ahead of the ball, ensuring you strike the ball first and then the turf.

Lesson Q&A

Q: Why is “keeping my head down” bad for chipping? A: When you focus too much on keeping your head down, it often prevents your chest from rotating. This forces your hands to take over, leading to inconsistent contact and “yips.”

Q: How can I tell if my hands were too active in the chip? A: Check your finish position. If your clubhead is higher than your hands, or if your lead wrist is collapsed (cupped), you likely used too much hand action instead of chest rotation.

Q: Where exactly should my eyes be looking? A: Try focusing on a spot an inch or two in front of the ball. This helps move your center of gravity forward and encourages a “downward” strike into the back of the ball.