Crisper chips and pitches

If your shots regularly sail off-line between tee and green, it's to your advantage to be able to get the ball up and down. Some players have few problems hitting the ball solidly (though wildly) on full-swing shots, but sometimes they have trouble making solid contact with finesse shots -- chips and pitches. The combination of an errant approach with a thinned or chili-dipped short shot is bound to produce at least a bogey, if not worse. The following tips may help you make crisper contact on chips and pitches.


DOWNWARD BLOW PREVENTS FAT SHOTS

Hitting a short shot fat (so it falls well short of your target) may be caused by several faults. One is trying to help the ball into the air by scooping under it.

To get the ball airborne on a short shot you have to hit down on it with a descending blow, hitting the ball first and trusting the club's loft the same way you would with a full-force shot.

First, be sure your setup promotes striking the ball with a firm, downward blow. Your stance should be narrow (about three inches at the heels for chips; six inches for pitches), with the ball no farther forward than your right heel. Choke down on the shaft to increase clubhead control. Hands should be even with or slightly ahead of the ball--not behind it. Finally, focus your attention on the front of the ball, not the back, and let the hands lead the clubhead through impact.


CROUCH MORE TO STOP THINNED SHOTS

A "thin" chip or pitch happens when the club's leading edge hits the ball just below its equator, causing the shot to fly lower and harder than normal. A thinned short shot comes from the same source as a thin full shot: The upper body rises as the club swings forward, lifting the downswing arc so the leading edge of the club strikes high on the ball.

Rising on the shot usually is caused by standing too straight at address. Be sure to get into a good crouch, flexing your knees and bending well at the waist. Weight should be balanced between the feet as well as between the heels and balls of the feet. Imagine resting your chin on a shelf and keep it there -- don't lift it -- as you swing back and through. Also, be sure the ball lies between your right heel and the center of your stance and isn't too far back.


RIGHT HAND ONLY DRILL:

Although the short shots require only short swings, you still need all the clubface control you can get. To build control and feel, choke down and practice hitting chips and pitches using your right hand only. Hit a few shots, then use both hands again. Club control will feel much sharper and positive.