Mastering the short game is key to lowering your scores and enjoying golf more. Here are some essential fundamentals to help improve your chipping technique:
Posture
Due to the shorter length of your wedge, you’ll naturally stand closer to the ball compared to your irons and woods. Maintain good posture with your arms relaxed and hanging comfortably under your shoulders.
Ball Position
- For higher, softer chips, position the ball forward near your front foot.
- For lower, running chips, place the ball slightly back in your stance.
Adjusting ball position helps control trajectory and spin.
Stance & Setup
Adopt a slightly narrower stance than your full swing—about shoulder width—with your front foot turned slightly out. Lean your weight forward (about 60% on your lead foot), which helps promote a steeper angle of attack and cleaner contact.
Grip Pressure
Keep your grip light and consistent throughout the motion. Think of holding a bird gently—firm enough not to drop it, but soft enough not to harm it. This encourages feel and flow in your chipping action.
Tempo & Rhythm
Maintain a smooth tempo, ideally either balanced back and through or slightly slower back and quicker through. The key is accelerating through the ball, not decelerating.
Backswing Length
Let the distance control the length of your backswing—not your effort. A compact backswing with natural acceleration is more reliable than trying to “hit” the ball.
Deepak Golf 