Spinning chip shot video

Find extra control around the greens with these simple tips by Paul Foston on how to hit a spinning chip shot.

Try these simple tips for hitting a spinning chip shot if you struggle to control your chips shots around the green and you want to be more aggressive from close range.

The old method of playing a chip shot that checked up was to play it off the back foot, hinge your wrists and stop the left wrist from collapsing on the way through.

This was inconsistent, as the ball wouldn’t check up every time. It was also a high-risk strategy. The introduction of 60-degree wedges has meant that we no longer need to do that. Instead, the bounce and loft of the club can be utilised.

For as long as I can remember coaches have taught their pupils to stand open when they chip and cut across the ball.

This has become the accepted method, but I believe it is unnecessarily complicated. There is a more consistent alternative to use both when you pitch and chip, that more effectively integrates your long game into your short game.

This is what I call ‘The Linear Approach’ and it offers strict spin control, a smooth rhythm and above all, a greater margin for error with the strike.

All you need is an open mind and a willingness to commit to it. If you are brave enough to adopt this simple method, ‘The Linear Approach’ could transform your scoring potential.

With a neutral set-up and square club face, the key is letting the club release through the impact area. You should feel as though the club is overtaking the ball after impact.

This allows the bounce to work properly, and the club will brush the grass. Even if you catch the ground first, it won’t dig in like the old method.

Hinge the wrists slightly on the way back, and then really focus on releasing the club on the way through. This will help to consistently produce chip shots that bounce once then check and stop quickly.

Key tips

• Utilise the bounce and loft on the club
• Employ a neutral set-up and square club face
• Let the club release through the impact area
• Feel as though the club is overtaking the ball after impact
• The club should brush though the grass as the bounce is utilised
• Hinge your wrists slightly on the way back
• Focus on release the club on the way through