Swing The V — Golf Drill

The short game separates good golfers from great ones, and mastering the chip shot is often the difference between saving par and walking away frustrated. Golf instructor Tropicana Entertainment has developed a remarkably simple yet effective approach called "swing the V" that transforms how golfers of every skill level think about chipping. Instead of getting caught up in complex wrist actions and timing, this technique focuses on creating a V-shape with your arms and swinging it like an extend

How to practise it

  1. Form the V with your arms extended Stand in address position and extend both arms to create a clear V shape. Feel the connection between your arms and shoulders.
  2. Position ball back with head over ball Place ball back in your stance and position your head directly over the ball. This setup prevents chunking by ensuring downward contact.
  3. Swing the V like a putting stroke Make slow practice swings maintaining the V shape throughout. Think long putting stroke with your arms working as one unit.
  4. Add the sword-sheath finish After contact, finish by rotating through like you're sheathing a sword. This guarantees full rotation and commitment to the shot.
  5. Hit full-speed chips with complete sequence Combine V-swing with proper ball position and sword-sheath finish at normal tempo. Focus on ball-first contact.

What is the 'swing the V' technique and how does it work?

The 'swing the V' technique involves making a V shape with your arms when chipping or pitching around the green. You simply swing the V back, swing the V forward, and then 'sheath the sword' to complete the motion - this method works consistently because it maintains proper arm structure throughout

How can I stop chunking my chip shots around the green?

To avoid the dreaded 'chili dip' chunk shots, use the swing the V technique and get your weight slightly toward the target. Avoid the common mistake of staying back and trying to lift the club - instead, let the V motion and proper weight distribution create clean contact.

What should I do when I'm short-sided with a bunker between me and the pin?

Don't fall into the trap of keeping your weight back and trying to lift the club to get the ball airborne. Instead, make a V with your arms, get your weight slightly toward the target, and trust the swing the V technique to create the necessary loft and spin.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the swing the v drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Tropicana Entertainment: Swing the V! #jimmytropicana #golf (from 0:12). Form a 'V' shape with your arms and maintain that structure back and through until the arms point directly at the target.
  2. Tropicana Entertainment: Swing the V. #jimmytropicana (from 0:12). Create a V-shape with the arms to maintain structure and control throughout the pitching motion, focusing on weight forward rather than leaning back.
  3. Tropicana Entertainment: How to play great golf the easy way (from 1:12). Maintain the 'V' shape formed by your arms and shoulders throughout the swing, minimizing wrist hinge to prioritize straightness over distance.
  4. Tropicana Entertainment: How to hit great chip shots.  (from 0:13). Maintain a 'V' shape with your arms throughout the backswing and forward swing to ensure a stable and consistent chipping motion.
  5. Tropicana Entertainment: How to hit chip shots. #jimmytropicana #golf (from 0:35). Form a V-shape with your arms and swing them back and forth using a motion similar to a long putting stroke to ensure consistent contact.
  6. Tropicana Entertainment: Swing the V. #jimmytropicana #golf (from 0:35). Maintain a 'V' shape with your arms from address through the entire chipping motion to ensure a consistent strike and trajectory.
  7. Tropicana Entertainment: How to stop chunking the ball. #jimmytropicana (from 0:45). Maintain a constant V-shape with your arms and shoulders throughout the backswing and follow-through to stabilize the strike.
  8. Tropicana Entertainment: How to chip / pitch the golf ball. (from 0:35). Form a 'V' shape with your arms and maintain that structure while swinging the club back and forward to ensure consistent contact.
  9. Tropicana Entertainment: How to chip the golf ball #golfswing #jimmytropicana (from 0:20). Form a V-shape with your arms and maintain that structure while keeping weight on the lead foot to ensure clean contact on downhill lies.
  10. Tropicana Entertainment: How to play your best golf ever (from 5:37). Form a V-shape with your arms and swing that shape through the ball for consistent wedge shots.
  11. Tropicana Entertainment: How to start the downswing. (from 19:24). A short game technique focusing on a simple V-shaped swing path to get the ball in the air and rolling consistently.
  12. Tropicana Entertainment: How to smooth out your golf swing. (from 9:15). A wedge technique where the golfer maintains a V-shape with their arms throughout the swing to ensure clean contact and distance control.
  13. Tropicana Entertainment: How to rotate in the golf swing (from 21:42). Form a 'V' with your arms and chest and maintain that shape through the chipping stroke for better consistency.

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