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

Understanding the Standard Chip Shot

The standard chip shot is a fundamental short game technique designed for shots around the green, where the ball spends more time rolling on the ground than in the air. Known as a chip and run, it prioritizes control, low trajectory, and smooth rollout to save pars efficiently. As Lane "The Lever," I emphasize a feel-based approach: treat the chip as a rhythmic extension of your lever swing, harnessing effortless timing with arms and wrists for precise distance control. This method generates speed through a sweeping release rather than forced body rotation, ideal for feel players seeking artistry in their short game.

Basic Setup for the Standard Chip

Establish a solid foundation with a setup that promotes stability, forward shaft lean, and arm extension. Focus on neutral posture and soft knees to enable a sweeping motion.

• Club Selection: Use a pitching wedge, gap wedge, or even a 9-iron for standard chips, depending on the required carry and roll ratio. Lower lofts promote more roll.
• Grip: Hold the grip normally but lighten the pressure for feel—imagine cradling the club like a bird, firm yet gentle to sense the club's weight.
• Stance: Narrow it to slightly inside shoulder-width with a closed stance option (forward foot closer to target line) for a natural draw bias and controlled path. Weight favors the front foot (60-70%) for crisp contact.
• Ball Position: Play it slightly back in the stance, toward the center or inside the front heel, allowing arms to fully extend through impact without flipping.
• Hands and Shaft: Position hands ahead of the ball with shaft leaning forward to deloft the club, ensuring a descending blow.
• Posture: Knees soft, spine straight, eyes over the ball for a sweeping arm release.

Technique and Execution

Execute the chip with a pendulum-like rhythm: backswing with arms and shoulders, accelerating through impact via wrist release timing. Power derives from coordinated arm speed, not hip turn—maintain tempo like a metronome for consistency.

1. Backswing: Take a short, controlled backswing along the target line, extending arms fully for leverage. Sweep the clubhead low, feeling the arc widen without wrist hinge beyond shoulder turn.
2. Transition and Downswing: Shift weight subtly forward while initiating a smooth arm drop. Sequence the release with wrists uncocking naturally at impact for effortless speed.
3. Impact and Follow-Through: Strike down and through the ball, compressing turf slightly post-impact. The clubhead should sweep past the ball, with hands leading to avoid scooping. Finish with arms extended toward the target, chest over the ball.
4. Tempo Focus: Count "one-and-two" for backswing-through, emphasizing even rhythm. Practice feet together to groove an arm-dominated feel, eliminating lower body interference.

Visualize the shot's landing spot: aim to land the ball one-third the distance to the hole, letting roll do the work. Adjust loft and length based on lie—firmer lies favor more roll, fluffy lies need slight carry.

Common Misses and Corrections

The lever chip's timing sensitivity can produce both-side misses, but feel adjustments prevail over mechanics.

• Chunk (Fat Shot): Hitting turf behind—correct by forward weight bias and hands-ahead setup.
• Thin Shot: Topping the ball—soften arms, focus on sweeping low through impact.
• Flip Shot Tendency: Scooping for height—resist wristy flips; commit to shaft lean and release timing.

Practice Drills for Mastery

1. Pendulum Drill: Place a coin an inch behind the ball; brush it clean on every strike to ingrain low point control.
2. Rhythm Ladder: Chip to targets at 3, 6, 9 feet using varying backswing lengths, syncing tempo each time.
3. Feet-Together Chips: Hit 20 chips focusing on arm sweep—builds release timing without stance sway.

Key Takeaway

Master the standard chip through rhythmic setup, arm-led technique, and precise release timing, transforming short game scrambling into an artistic strength. Consistent practice of this lever-inspired method yields up-and-down proficiency, turning greenside challenges into effortless pars. Embrace the smooth flow—your lever swing's patience unlocks beauty in every chip.