Mastering Wrist Action in Chip Shots
Chip shots are essential low-trajectory shots around the green, designed for control and precision. A classic example is the chip and run, where the ball spends more time rolling on the ground than in the air, making it ideal for tight lies or when you need the ball to release toward the hole. The key debate for many golfers is wrist usage: should you hinge and unhinge them actively, or keep them firm? The answer lies in technique, shot selection, and consistency.
The Role of Wrists in Chipping: Firm is Fundamental
For standard chip shots—especially with wedges or shorter irons—keep your wrists firm and quiet. Treat the chip like a long putt: use your shoulders and arms in a rocking motion, with minimal to no wrist breakdown. This promotes solid contact, prevents flipping or scooping, and lets the club's loft handle the trajectory.
- Avoid active wrist hinging: Excessive wrist action introduces inconsistency, often leading to fat, thin, or skull shots.
- Firm wrists ensure compression: Maintain a flat or slightly bowed lead wrist (never cupped) through impact, similar to putting fundamentals.
- Grip pressure: Light to moderate (4-5 on a 1-10 scale) to stay relaxed, but firm enough to avoid manipulation.
When to Incorporate Subtle Wrist Use
While firmness is the default, subtle wrist involvement can enhance certain chips:
- Bump-and-run chips: Wrists completely passive; shoulders control the motion for maximum roll.
- Higher, softer chips (e.g., over bunkers): Allow a slight wrist hinge on the backswing (late and gradual, like a full-swing takeaway), then release naturally through impact without flipping. Hands stay ahead of the clubhead.
- Flop shots: More wrist action here—open the face and hinge aggressively—but reserve for advanced players on fluffy lies.
Step-by-Step Technique for Firm-Wrist Chipping
- Setup: Narrow stance, ball back in stance (inside right foot for right-handers), weight forward (60/40 favoring lead side). Hands ahead of ball for delofting.
- Grip: Neutral to slightly strong for face control; light pressure.
- Backswing: Low and slow, arms and shoulders in one piece. Compact swing—lead arm parallel or shorter. No lateral sway; head and sternum over ball.
- Downswing/Impact: Rock shoulders through, keeping wrists firm. Maintain spine angle and lag until release via body rotation, not hands.
- Follow-through: Short and low, matching backswing length for acceleration control.
Drills to Build Firm-Wrist Consistency
- Putt-to-chip drill: Putt 10 balls from 10 feet, then chip from 20 feet using the same stroke. Focus on firm wrists.
- Towel under arms: Tuck towels under both armpits; chip without letting them drop to promote connected, shoulder-driven motion.
- Impact bag drill: Hit into a bag or pillow emphasizing hands-ahead position and firm wrists at contact.
Practice these 10-15 minutes per session to ingrain the feel. Video your swings to check for wrist flip—aim for a stable lead wrist at impact.
Key Takeaway
For reliable chipping, prioritize firm wrists in your standard arsenal to achieve crisp contact and predictable distance control. Reserve wrist hinging for specialized shots, always prioritizing body rotation over hand dominance. This approach, rooted in proven fundamentals, will lower scores around the greens by reducing mishits and building confidence.