We've Measured Thousands of Chip Shots. These 3 Things Matter

Name: We've Measured Thousands of Chip Shots. These 3 Things Matter
Uploaded: 2026-06-24T17:10:05.000Z
Duration: 5 min 43 s
Channel: James Ridyard
Description: Golf instructor James Ridyard reveals three non-negotiable impact conditions for short game success based on thousands of measured chip shots. He details why delivered loft must be reduced at impact, how to stay within a 5-to-10 degree downward attack angle window, and how coasting through impact improves distance control and strike quality around the greens.

Golf instructor James Ridyard reveals three non-negotiable impact conditions for short game success based on thousands of measured chip shots. He details why delivered loft must be reduced at impact, how to stay within a 5-to-10 degree downward attack angle window, and how coasting through impact improves distance control and strike quality around the greens.

Always deliver less loft at impact than at address, typically introducing 10 to 15 degrees of forward shaft lean.
Target an attack angle window between 5 and 10 degrees downward for consistent turf interaction.
Focus on the front edge of the golf ball to shift your low point forward and steepen shallow impact.
Build club speed smoothly during transition so the club can coast and carry naturally through impact without forced hand acceleration.