How do I avoid chunking or blading chip shots?

Mastering Chip Shots: Eliminate Chunking and Blading for Good

As Riley "The Rotator," I specialize in unleashing power through explosive body rotation, but solid short game fundamentals are the foundation of any elite rotary swing. Chunking—hitting the turf well behind the ball for a fat, short shot—and blading (a thin shot where the club strikes the ball too high, producing a low, weak flyer)—are common enemies around the greens. These mishits stem from poor contact, often due to incorrect setup, weight shift, or hand action. By focusing on athletic sequencing, hands-ahead impact, and controlled rotation, you'll strike crisp chips consistently.

Understanding the Mishits

• Chunk (Fat Shot): The clubhead bottoms out behind the ball, digging into the turf first. This kills distance and sends the ball splashing short, like into a pond on a par-3.
• Blade (Thin Shot): The leading edge skims the ball's upper half, launching it low and hot but with minimal carry and poor control.

Both occur when your swing arc doesn't match the ball's position. The rotary solution? Maintain shaft lean and hands ahead through impact, just like in your full swing where rotation squares the face.

Essential Setup for Clean Contact

1. Ball Position: Play the ball back in your stance, just off the center of your feet or toward the inside of your trail heel. This promotes a descending blow.
2. Weight Distribution: Start with 50-50 or slightly forward (60% on lead side). Keep weight on your lead foot—never hang back, which causes chunks.
3. Shaft Angle and Grip: Choke down on the grip for control. Lean the shaft forward so hands are ahead of the ball at address, mirroring full-swing impact position.
4. Posture: Hinge from the hips, knees flexed. Narrow stance for stability, like prepping for a baseball swing's rotational pop.

Proven Swing Technique and Sequencing

Emphasize a mini rotary swing: short backswing with hip and shoulder turn, then aggressive lower-body drive. No arm flip—power comes from body rotation!

• Backswing: Take a short-to-medium hinge with minimal wrist cock. Rotate hips and shoulders together for coiled tension—feel like loading a discus throw.
• Downswing Trigger: Step toward the target with your lead foot (try the step drill: feet together at address, step forward to initiate hip drive). This shifts weight dynamically forward.
• Impact Fundamentals: Hands stay ahead of the clubhead as hips clear aggressively—your belt buckle faces the target at finish. This prevents flipping (causing blades) and early extension (causing chunks).
• Shot Selection: For low chip-and-runs, use less loft and firm wrists. Avoid wristy flip shots unless executing a high flop—Phil Mickelson territory.

Actionable Drills to Groove Perfect Contact

1. Tee Drill: Place a tee 1 inch behind the ball. Swing to clip the tee after the ball—trains descending path, kills chunks.
2. Hands-Ahead Line Drill: Lay a club shaft on the ground angled like your shaft lean. Keep hands outside it through impact to avoid thinning.
3. Half-Shot Progression: Choke down on a wedge, play half swings building to full chips. Focus on rotation sequencing for speed control.
4. Step Drill Adaptation: Feet together, step lead foot forward on downswing. Builds hip drive and forward shaft lean instinctively.

Equipment Tweaks for Rotary Chippers

Use a wedge with bounce suited to your turf—sand wedge for fluffy lies to glide through without digging. Grind the leading edge if needed for cleaner turf interaction. Pair with your driver setup mindset: ball just inside lead heel for full shots translates to back positioning here.

Key Takeaway: Rotate to Dominate the Short Game

Chunking and blading vanish when you commit to hands-ahead impact, forward weight, and rotary sequencing. Practice these setups and drills daily—your chips will run true like a chip-and-run masterpiece, saving pars and fueling distance-focused confidence. Own the greens with explosive rotation!