Golf tip: Pitching and chipping

Golf tip: Pitching and chipping:

The classic golf tip series:
1 – Shoulder turn
2 – One-piece takeaway
3 – Downswing
4 – Weight transfer
5 – Golf club release
6 – Backspin
7 – Chipping and pitching

Jack Nicklaus once wrote of how one’s weight should favour the left side (for right-handed golfers) in a pitch or chip shot. This golf tip stuck with me as I learned the game, as it is one of the easiest to follow and creates instant results.

The golf tip applies to both pitch- and chip shots. Pitching shots are typically from 10-70 metres from the green, where the ball stays in the air for longer, while chipping shots are the more delicate shots played from just off the green.

Different instructors use different figures for the weight distribution during chipping and pitching, but as a general golf tip, try to keep your weight 60-70 percent on the left leg (for right-handers) and 30-40 percent on the right throughout the shot. Position the ball slightly forward of centre and, importantly, since these chipping and pitching shots are not full swings, you need to limit your backswing and follow through accordingly.

Golf tip: Bad chipping and pitching shots

Avoid the golf tip #1: Chipping or pitching with too much weight on the right

The reason this golf tip came about in the first place was to ensure that the golfer keeps his or her weight on the left foot at impact. Many amateurs, especially high handicappers, try to lean back and scoop the ball up into the air.

The perception on this golf tip is that to chip or pitch the ball up quickly, the weight should be on the back foot so that you can get under the ball and lift it. Then the ground tends to get in the way before the ball does!

The problem with setting up with the weight favouring the right and allowing the weight to be too much on the right side in the backswing is that, at impact, your low point will be on the back foot – behind the ball. This golf tip leads to either of the hitting your chipping and pitching shots fat or topping it!

Golf tip: Bad chipping and pitching shots

Avoid the golf tip #2: Chipping or pitching with too much weight on the left

If you overdo it by putting too much weight on the left side, you’ll end up having your head in front of the ball and your right side too high – this golf tip will cause a backswing that is far too steep for a chipping or pitching shot.

What happens then is that the downswing will follow too steeply and likely from the outside, which can lead to pull shots – hitting the chipping or pitching shot long and left of target.

Golf tip: Chipping and pitching

Golf tip: Chipping and pitching

The correct set-up has the weight favouring the left, but note how the left side is still slightly higher than the right side at address. That’s because the right hand is lower than the left on the club. The spine tilts to the right to ensure that one can get height on the ball.

Setting up with the weight left is important because there is no time to transfer weight to the right and then back to the left in a limited swing like a pitch or chip shot. At impact the weight always needs to be on the left side, so it’s important to start with it there in a pitching or chipping shot.

Chipping and pitching: Practice the golf tip

For many ammies, getting the feeling of keeping your weight on the left side throughout the swing can be quite difficult to get used to. A simple chipping and pitching golf tip exercise to help get used to the feeling is to practise from a downhill slope. When you address the ball from this angle you will automatically place more of your weight on the left side.

Executing the golf tip may feel awkward at first, but you will get used to the pitching and chipping shot and it will help you the next time you need to pitch or chip on the course.

(Via Compleat Golfer)