What’s the basic setup and technique for a standard chip?

Understanding the Standard Chip Shot

A standard chip is a low-trajectory shot played from around the green, designed for precision and control. Unlike a full swing, it emphasizes a chip and run motion, where the ball spends more time rolling on the ground than flying through the air. This technique is ideal for short-sided misses or when you need the ball to release toward the hole, as seen in pros saving par with a beautiful chip and run that stops inches from the cup.

Basic Setup for a Standard Chip

The setup prioritizes stability, compression, and a descending blow to ensure clean contact. Follow these key positions:

• Club Selection: Use a pitching wedge, gap wedge, or even a 9-iron for a standard chip. Lower lofts promote more roll.
• Stance: Narrow your feet to slightly inside shoulder-width for balance. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly open to the target line (aimed left of the hole for right-handers).
• Ball Position: Play the ball back in your stance, just inside your trail heel or even farther back toward the trail foot. This promotes hitting down on the ball.
• Weight Distribution: Position 60% of your weight on your lead foot (left for right-handers) and keep it there throughout to maintain a stable pivot and low point control.
• Hands and Shaft: Grip down on the club for control. Position your hands ahead of the ball, creating shaft lean at address to deloft the club and encourage compression.
• Posture: Bend from the hips with a slight knee flex. Keep your weight centered but forward-leaning.

Swing Technique: Step-by-Step Execution

The chip swing is a mini-swing resembling a putting stroke—smooth, controlled, and pendulum-like. Focus on hitting the ball first, then the turf for crisp contact and to avoid chunking (hitting fat behind the ball).

1. Backswing: Take the club back low and along the ground with minimal wrist hinge. Rotate your shoulders while keeping your arms connected to your body. The backswing length determines carry distance—shorter for less carry, longer for more.
2. Downswing and Impact: Shift weight slightly toward the target while accelerating through. Maintain a stable center and let the club's loft do the work. Strike down sharply on the ball, brushing the turf after impact for a descending angle of attack.
3. Follow-Through: Finish with your weight on the lead side and the club pointing toward the target. The follow-through should match the backswing length for rhythm.
4. Tempo and Rhythm: Use a consistent "tick-tock" tempo. Commit to the shot with good rhythm to build confidence under pressure.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Chunking (Fat Shot): Caused by hanging back or early extension. Fix: Drill low point control by practicing hitting divots after the ball.
• Skulling (Thin Shot): Hitting the ball too high on the face. Fix: Keep hands ahead and weight forward.
• Deceleration: Leads to poor distance control. Fix: Focus on accelerating through impact.

Practice Drills for Mastery

1. Tee Drill: Place a tee just behind the ball and focus on clipping it after striking the ball cleanly.
2. One-Handed Chip: Chip with your lead hand only to feel proper weight shift and compression.
3. Ladder Drill: Place tees at varying distances from the hole and chip to specific landing zones to hone distance control.

Key Takeaway

Mastering the standard chip comes down to a simple, repeatable setup with weight forward, hands ahead, and a putting-like stroke that hits the ball first. Prioritize clean contact and let roll do the work—consistent practice of these fundamentals will save strokes around the green and elevate your short game reliability.