CONCEPT · SHORT GAME BEGINNER FOCUS
Mastery means crisp contact with predictable trajectory, eliminating the chunked and bladed shots that plague weekend golfers.
Skill split
01 · Overview
~2 min read
The short game can make or break your scorecard, and chipping represents the most crucial skill for getting up and down around the greens. Despite its apparent simplicity, chipping challenges golfers at every level because it demands precision in both technique and mental approach—there's little room for the compensations that work with longer swings.
What separates consistent chippers from frustrated golfers hitting fat and thin shots comes down to understanding a few fundamental principles. James Ridyard emphasizes that controlling your low point depth through proper swing width and body position transforms strike quality, while Dan Grieve demonstrates how subtle setup adjustments—like positioning your chest bone slightly forward of the ball—create the foundation for clean contact.
The beauty of effective chipping lies in its simplicity once you grasp the core mechanics. Rather than complicated swing thoughts, focus on creating a shallow attack angle and maintaining consistent rhythm. The feet together drill helps many golfers develop the stability and control needed for repeatable results.
These video lessons will guide you through the essential elements of chipping, from basic technique to advanced shot selection around different green conditions. Whether you're struggling with consistency or looking to refine your short game strategy, mastering these concepts will directly impact your scoring and confidence on the course.
4 components that build the move
01 · BALL POSITION
Position the ball slightly back of center with your sternum about an inch ahead of the ball at address. This setup promotes the descending strike needed for clean contact.
02 · STANCE WIDTH
Stand with feet closer together than a full swing, shuffled slightly toward the target. Favor your front foot with about 60% of your weight to encourage the proper angle of attack.
03 · ARM STRUCTURE
Maintain the V-shape formed by your arms and shoulders throughout the stroke. This connection prevents the independent hand action that leads to inconsistent strikes.
04 · LOW POINT CONTROL
Keep your swing arc shallow with the low point just brushing the turf rather than digging deep. Control this through steady body position and consistent swing width.
02 · The Reference
3 of 461 · hand-selected
Editor's Pick · #1 · 8:28
Ridyard isolates the two most critical variables—swing width and body stability—that directly control where your club bottoms out.
James Ridyard · intermediate
Editor's Pick · 0:57
Tropicana's V-shaped arm concept provides the clearest visual for maintaining connection while avoiding the dreaded flip through impact.
Tropicana Entertainment · beginner
Editor's Pick · 0:36
Ballard definitively settles the chipping versus pitching distinction that confuses most golfers when selecting their approach.
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard · beginner
04 · The Experts
3 perspectives · same drill
04 · Practice it
3 drills
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 8 videos.
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 5 videos.
Drill
Practice protocol with timestamped demonstrations across 4 videos.
05 · FAQ
Answered from the library
According to Top Speed Golf's Clay Ballard, chipping is about getting the ball on the ground as quickly as possible with minimal spin using a lower lofted club. Pitching involves carrying the ball as far as possible close to the pin with maximum spin for better control upon landing.
James Ridyard emphasizes controlling two key factors for perfect contact, while Dan Grieve suggests setup tweaks like getting your feet closer together and shuffling both feet toward the flag. These adjustments help create more predictable, consistent strikes that get the ball closer to the hole.
Jimmy Tropicana mentions using a 60 or 52 degree wedge, but warns against taking big swings with these clubs. The key is club selection based on the shot - lower lofted clubs for chips that need to roll out, higher lofted wedges for shots that need to stop quickly.
As Paige Spiranac discusses in her handicap improvement tips and Jimmy Tropicana points out, even pros miss greens regularly. Learning to chip effectively is crucial because you'll need these skills frequently - missing greens is part of golf at every level.
Mark Crossfield addresses wedge selection in his Q&A, noting this is a common question among golfers. The number depends on your skill level and course conditions, but having proper wedge gapping allows for better distance and spin control around the greens.
Tap any concept to explore the library
06 · The Library
YouTube-indexed · expert-graded
Video · 7:06
Golf Studio
Video · 0:37
Golf Studio
Video · 0:16
Michael Kanev Golf
Video · 1:01
Josh Oddy
Video · 1:34
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard
Video · 1:04
AlexElliottGolf
Video · 0:08
Get Good At Golf!
Video · 2:09
Tropicana Entertainment
Video · 1:43
Rick Shiels Golf
Video · 0:54
Dan Grieve
Video · 1:24
Tropicana Entertainment
Video · 1:11
Dan Grieve
Video · 10:17
Kerrod Gray Golf
Video · 23:49
James Wiltshire
Video · 0:36
CK Golf
Video · 0:10
James Wiltshire
Video · 9:16
Peter Knight Golf
Video · 0:15
Get Good At Golf!
Video · 0:49
Dan Grieve
Video · 0:35
The Golf Supply
Video · 2:11
Tropicana Entertainment
Video · 0:27
Golfslump
Video · 1:03
Dan Grieve
Video · 6:46
Matt Fryer Golf
Video · 0:28
Alistair Davies Golf
Video · 17:19
Hannah Holden Golf
Video · 9:14
Golf Monthly
Video · 1:05
Shawn Clement's Wisdom in Golf Lessons
Video · 1:03
Rick Shiels Golf
Video · 2:27
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard
Video · 0:10
Luke Hanlon Golf
Video · 0:31
Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard
Video · 1:23
Tropicana Entertainment
Video · 1:01
Todd Graves
Video · 22:29
Dan Grieve
Video · 4:45
Golf Sidekick
Video · 0:12
Michael Kanev Golf
Video · 18:17
MrShortGame Golf
Video · 0:52
Tropicana Entertainment
Video · 0:50
Georgia Ball Golf
Video · 2:06
Jerome Rufin
Video · 0:30
Golf Sidekick
Video · 0:40
Big Swing Golf
Video · 8:40
Get Good At Golf!
Video · 1:54
Jerome Rufin
Video · 14:45
Easiest Swing
Video · 10:51
Dan Grieve
Video · 0:40
Padraig Harrington
Video · 1:39
Jerome Rufin
Video · 8:03
Scratch Golf Academy
Work through progressive chipping drills that build the muscle memory for consistent ball-first strikes.
Practice Drills