5+ Chipping Drills to Master the Green in Minutes
Ever stare down a chip shot feeling a wave of uncertainty? You’re not alone. Chipping, that magical zone between aggressive pitching and delicate putting, can be a frustrating mystery for golfers of all levels. In this guide, we are going to take a look at the best chipping drills to get up and down the green.
P.S. I’m writing this blog because my chips were absolutely awful today on the golf course.
The Top Golf Chipping Drills
Let’s take a look at a few chipping tips and drills to improve your golf game.
The Gate Drill:
The gate drill in golf chipping is a popular practice technique aimed at improving accuracy and consistency in your short game. Here’s a breakdown of the drill by benefit, equipment needed, and how to perform it:
Equipment:
- Two Alignment Rods or Golf Clubs
- Golf Ball
- Chipping Area
How to Perform the Gate Drill:
- Set Up the Gate: Place the two alignment rods or golf clubs on the ground parallel to each other, leaving a narrow gap between them. Start with a relatively wide gap and gradually decrease it as you become more comfortable with the drill.
- Select Your Target: Choose a specific target beyond the gate to aim your chips towards.
- Address the Ball: Set up to the ball as you would for a standard chip shot. Ensure your stance is slightly open to the target line, and your weight is favoring your front foot.
- Execute the Shot: Make a smooth chipping motion, focusing on striking the ball cleanly and sending it through the gate. Keep your wrists firm and maintain a consistent tempo throughout the swing.
The One-Handed Chipping Drill:
The one-handed chip drill is a practice technique in golf aimed at improving feel, control, and consistency in your short game. By chipping with only one hand, you develop a better sense of touch and refine your ability to control the clubface through impact.
Equipment:
- Golf Club
- Golf Balls
How to Perform:
- Grip Adjustment: Hold the club with only your dominant hand (right hand for right-handed golfers, left hand for left-handed golfers).
- Ball Position: Set up with your feet close together and the ball slightly back in your stance, towards your back foot.
- Alignment: Aim your body and clubface toward your target, maintaining an open stance.
- Swing Motion: Execute a controlled, smooth swing using only your dominant hand. Keep the swing shorter than usual, with a concise follow-through.
The Clock Drill:
This drill combines elements of distance and direction control. By visualizing a clock face around the target (hole), you practice chipping the ball towards specific landing zones, mimicking the need to control both distance and direction for strategic chip shots on the course.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- (Optional) A small practice flag or cone to mark the target hole
How To:
- Visualize the Clock Face:
- Locate a flat area on the practice green or designated chipping zone.
- Choose a target (hole) and imagine a clock face drawn around it on the green. Each hour position on the clock represents a different landing zone for your chip shots.
- Set Your Distances:
- Decide on the approximate distances for each landing zone. For example, the area directly in front of the hole (12 o’clock) might be your shortest chipping distance, while zones further out (3 o’clock, 9 o’clock) represent progressively longer chip shots.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Focus on Distance and Direction:
- Here’s the key element of the drill: Focus on controlling both the distance and direction of your chip shot.
- Visualize the flight path of the ball towards the chosen landing zone on the clock face.
- Execute the Chip:
- With each chip, focus on making solid contact with the ball and maintaining a smooth swing with good tempo.
The Towel Drill:
This drill focuses on preventing an open clubface at impact, a common culprit behind slices. By placing a towel under your arms, you create a physical barrier that restricts excessive arm movement and encourages a more compact swing, promoting a square clubface connection with the ball.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- A towel
How To:
- Grab the Towel:
- Unfold the towel lengthwise and drape it comfortably across your chest.
- Position Your Arms:
- Tuck both arms underneath the towel, holding the ends loosely near your sides.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Feel the Restriction:
- As you address the ball, feel the slight tension created by the towel under your arms. This tension serves as a reminder to keep your arms close to your body throughout the swing.
- Execute the Chip:
- Initiate a smooth, controlled swing with good tempo. Focus on maintaining the tension from the towel, preventing your arms from excessively flying away from your body during the swing.
The Coin Drill:
his drill emphasizes pinpoint accuracy when chipping. By using cones placed at various distances and directions, you can practice hitting chip shots towards specific targets, replicating real-course scenarios where precise shot placement is critical.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- Several cones (different colors can be helpful)
How To:
- Set Up the Cones:
- Locate a flat area on the practice green or designated chipping zone.
- Place cones at various distances and directions from your chipping position. You can start with cones at a short distance (around 10 yards) directly in front of you, and then add cones further out and at angles to represent different chipping situations.
- Choose Your Targets:
- Each cone will represent a specific target. You can use the cone itself as the target, or visualize a landing zone around the cone on the green.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Focus on Direction and Distance:
- Here’s the key element of the drill: Focus on controlling both the direction and distance of your chip shot.
- Visualize the flight path of the ball towards the chosen cone (target).
- Execute the Chip:
- With each chip, focus on making solid contact with the ball and maintaining a smooth swing with good tempo.
Ladder Drill:
This drill focuses on developing feel for how your swing length translates to ball flight distance. By using a ladder as a visual reference, you can practice chipping with different swing lengths, aiming to land the ball within designated zones representing various distances.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- A practice ladder (optional, you can use an alignment stick or clubs laid horizontally)
How To:
- Set Up the Ladder:
- Locate a flat area on the practice green or designated chipping zone.
- If using a ladder, lay it flat horizontally behind the ball with the rungs facing you. Alternatively, place alignment sticks or even golf clubs laid flat on the ground at even intervals behind the ball.
- The distance between each rung (or club) will represent a different chip distance. Start by keeping the distances manageable, like 1 yard between each rung.
- Choose Your Target Zones:
- Decide on target zones for each chip distance represented by the ladder rungs. You can use hula hoops, cones, or simply visualize landing areas on the green at varying distances.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Focus on Swing Length:
- Here’s the key element of the drill: Focus on varying your swing length based on the target distance.
- For shorter distances represented by the rungs closer to the ball, use a shorter, more controlled swing.
- As you progress to rungs further away, gradually increase your swing length while maintaining a smooth tempo.
Tips to Take Your Chipping to the Next Level
People also ask:
What is the best way to practice chipping?
The best chipping practice combines feel-focused drills like the one-handed chip with distance control exercises (ladder drill) and target practice (cone drill) to refine accuracy. Remember, a consistent setup, smooth swings, and focus on feel are key to mastering those clutch chip shots!
How do you stop the YIPS when chipping?
Ah, the dreaded yips. Here’s the deal: relax and breathe. Keep your grip light, don’t choke the club. Visualize your shot, but don’t overthink it. Practice smooth, rhythmic swings, and trust your muscle memory. And hey, if all else fails, take a deep breath, step back, and reset.
What is the proper chipping technique?
Keep it simple. Set up with a narrow stance and the ball in the middle. Grip down on the club, relax, and keep your hands ahead of the ball. Make a smooth, pendulum-like swing, using your body to rock the club back and through. Let the loft of the club do the work and focus on a crisp contact with the ball.
How do you not chunk chip shots?
To avoid chunking chip shots, keep it nice and relaxed. Focus on feel and a smooth swing, not power. Stay balanced and don’t lean back too much. Keep your weight forward. Just trust your swing and don’t overthink it. Practice smooth, easy swings and follow through like you’re tossing a frisbee.
Remember, “chip” not “hit” for a successful short game!
Wrap-Up.
By incorporating these chipping drills into your routine, you’ll develop the feel, distance control, and accuracy needed to dominate the short game. Remember, chipping is about feel, not power. With dedication and these drills, you’ll be chipping the ball closer to the hole with confidence in no time. Now get out there and start chipping like a pro!
Ever stare down a chip shot feeling a wave of uncertainty? You’re not alone. Chipping, that magical zone between aggressive pitching and delicate putting, can be a frustrating mystery for golfers of all levels. In this guide, we are going to take a look at the best chipping drills to get up and down the green.
P.S. I’m writing this blog because my chips were absolutely awful today on the golf course.
The Top Golf Chipping Drills
Let’s take a look at a few chipping tips and drills to improve your golf game.
The Gate Drill:
The gate drill in golf chipping is a popular practice technique aimed at improving accuracy and consistency in your short game. Here’s a breakdown of the drill by benefit, equipment needed, and how to perform it:
Equipment:
- Two Alignment Rods or Golf Clubs
- Golf Ball
- Chipping Area
How to Perform the Gate Drill:
- Set Up the Gate: Place the two alignment rods or golf clubs on the ground parallel to each other, leaving a narrow gap between them. Start with a relatively wide gap and gradually decrease it as you become more comfortable with the drill.
- Select Your Target: Choose a specific target beyond the gate to aim your chips towards.
- Address the Ball: Set up to the ball as you would for a standard chip shot. Ensure your stance is slightly open to the target line, and your weight is favoring your front foot.
- Execute the Shot: Make a smooth chipping motion, focusing on striking the ball cleanly and sending it through the gate. Keep your wrists firm and maintain a consistent tempo throughout the swing.
The One-Handed Chipping Drill:
The one-handed chip drill is a practice technique in golf aimed at improving feel, control, and consistency in your short game. By chipping with only one hand, you develop a better sense of touch and refine your ability to control the clubface through impact.
Equipment:
- Golf Club
- Golf Balls
How to Perform:
- Grip Adjustment: Hold the club with only your dominant hand (right hand for right-handed golfers, left hand for left-handed golfers).
- Ball Position: Set up with your feet close together and the ball slightly back in your stance, towards your back foot.
- Alignment: Aim your body and clubface toward your target, maintaining an open stance.
- Swing Motion: Execute a controlled, smooth swing using only your dominant hand. Keep the swing shorter than usual, with a concise follow-through.
The Clock Drill:
This drill combines elements of distance and direction control. By visualizing a clock face around the target (hole), you practice chipping the ball towards specific landing zones, mimicking the need to control both distance and direction for strategic chip shots on the course.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- (Optional) A small practice flag or cone to mark the target hole
How To:
- Visualize the Clock Face:
- Locate a flat area on the practice green or designated chipping zone.
- Choose a target (hole) and imagine a clock face drawn around it on the green. Each hour position on the clock represents a different landing zone for your chip shots.
- Set Your Distances:
- Decide on the approximate distances for each landing zone. For example, the area directly in front of the hole (12 o’clock) might be your shortest chipping distance, while zones further out (3 o’clock, 9 o’clock) represent progressively longer chip shots.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Focus on Distance and Direction:
- Here’s the key element of the drill: Focus on controlling both the distance and direction of your chip shot.
- Visualize the flight path of the ball towards the chosen landing zone on the clock face.
- Execute the Chip:
- With each chip, focus on making solid contact with the ball and maintaining a smooth swing with good tempo.
The Towel Drill:
This drill focuses on preventing an open clubface at impact, a common culprit behind slices. By placing a towel under your arms, you create a physical barrier that restricts excessive arm movement and encourages a more compact swing, promoting a square clubface connection with the ball.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- A towel
How To:
- Grab the Towel:
- Unfold the towel lengthwise and drape it comfortably across your chest.
- Position Your Arms:
- Tuck both arms underneath the towel, holding the ends loosely near your sides.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Feel the Restriction:
- As you address the ball, feel the slight tension created by the towel under your arms. This tension serves as a reminder to keep your arms close to your body throughout the swing.
- Execute the Chip:
- Initiate a smooth, controlled swing with good tempo. Focus on maintaining the tension from the towel, preventing your arms from excessively flying away from your body during the swing.
The Coin Drill:
his drill emphasizes pinpoint accuracy when chipping. By using cones placed at various distances and directions, you can practice hitting chip shots towards specific targets, replicating real-course scenarios where precise shot placement is critical.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- Several cones (different colors can be helpful)
How To:
- Set Up the Cones:
- Locate a flat area on the practice green or designated chipping zone.
- Place cones at various distances and directions from your chipping position. You can start with cones at a short distance (around 10 yards) directly in front of you, and then add cones further out and at angles to represent different chipping situations.
- Choose Your Targets:
- Each cone will represent a specific target. You can use the cone itself as the target, or visualize a landing zone around the cone on the green.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Focus on Direction and Distance:
- Here’s the key element of the drill: Focus on controlling both the direction and distance of your chip shot.
- Visualize the flight path of the ball towards the chosen cone (target).
- Execute the Chip:
- With each chip, focus on making solid contact with the ball and maintaining a smooth swing with good tempo.
Ladder Drill:
This drill focuses on developing feel for how your swing length translates to ball flight distance. By using a ladder as a visual reference, you can practice chipping with different swing lengths, aiming to land the ball within designated zones representing various distances.
Equipment:
- Practice balls
- A practice ladder (optional, you can use an alignment stick or clubs laid horizontally)
How To:
- Set Up the Ladder:
- Locate a flat area on the practice green or designated chipping zone.
- If using a ladder, lay it flat horizontally behind the ball with the rungs facing you. Alternatively, place alignment sticks or even golf clubs laid flat on the ground at even intervals behind the ball.
- The distance between each rung (or club) will represent a different chip distance. Start by keeping the distances manageable, like 1 yard between each rung.
- Choose Your Target Zones:
- Decide on target zones for each chip distance represented by the ladder rungs. You can use hula hoops, cones, or simply visualize landing areas on the green at varying distances.
- Address the Ball:
- Assume a proper chipping posture (slightly flexed knees, balanced weight distribution).
- Maintain a neutral grip and position the ball slightly forward in your stance compared to full swings (experiment to find your comfort zone).
- Focus on Swing Length:
- Here’s the key element of the drill: Focus on varying your swing length based on the target distance.
- For shorter distances represented by the rungs closer to the ball, use a shorter, more controlled swing.
- As you progress to rungs further away, gradually increase your swing length while maintaining a smooth tempo.
Tips to Take Your Chipping to the Next Level
People also ask:
What is the best way to practice chipping?
The best chipping practice combines feel-focused drills like the one-handed chip with distance control exercises (ladder drill) and target practice (cone drill) to refine accuracy. Remember, a consistent setup, smooth swings, and focus on feel are key to mastering those clutch chip shots!
How do you stop the YIPS when chipping?
Ah, the dreaded yips. Here’s the deal: relax and breathe. Keep your grip light, don’t choke the club. Visualize your shot, but don’t overthink it. Practice smooth, rhythmic swings, and trust your muscle memory. And hey, if all else fails, take a deep breath, step back, and reset.
What is the proper chipping technique?
Keep it simple. Set up with a narrow stance and the ball in the middle. Grip down on the club, relax, and keep your hands ahead of the ball. Make a smooth, pendulum-like swing, using your body to rock the club back and through. Let the loft of the club do the work and focus on a crisp contact with the ball.
How do you not chunk chip shots?
To avoid chunking chip shots, keep it nice and relaxed. Focus on feel and a smooth swing, not power. Stay balanced and don’t lean back too much. Keep your weight forward. Just trust your swing and don’t overthink it. Practice smooth, easy swings and follow through like you’re tossing a frisbee.
Remember, “chip” not “hit” for a successful short game!
Related articles:
Wrap-Up.
By incorporating these chipping drills into your routine, you’ll develop the feel, distance control, and accuracy needed to dominate the short game. Remember, chipping is about feel, not power. With dedication and these drills, you’ll be chipping the ball closer to the hole with confidence in no time. Now get out there and start chipping like a pro!