instruction
Chip and Run vs Pitch Shots: the basics
Randall Hollands Smith
[email protected]
T
here are two types of chipping:
(1) The Chip and Run and (2) The
Pitch Shot. Although the two shots
are categorized under chipping, and are
somewhat similar in technique, they have
two very different applications when being
used on the golf course.
So how do you decide what shot and when?
Before attempting to play either shot you
must first decide which shot will be best suited
for the situation that confronts you. The basic
rule of thumb is if you have more ground to
carry the ball over than green to work with then
you will need to play a Pitch Shot. Conversely,
if you have less ground and more green then
you will need to play a Chip and Run.
Now that you have made a decision on the
shot you are going to play you can choose the
club best suited to that shot. The most common
choices are either the 7-iron or the 9-iron.
Remember that the 7-iron will be used on shots
of a slightly longer distance than the 9-iron.
In Picture 1, Rachel begins to move into the
ball and take her stance. You can see in this
photo that she does not put both hands on
the club at this stage, as care must be taken
to line up not only the clubface but your
body as well. Note that her weight is forward
in her stance slightly more towards the target
side, she has gripped down the golf shaft
for both comfort and control, as she is now
standing closer to the ball and more over it.
The golf grip is forward of the ball which will
assist in generating a more downward blow
necessary for all chipping shots.
When playing the Chip and Run you will notice
in the backswing (Picture 2) that Rachel’s body
has not moved a great deal although her hands
and the club have traveled a distance away from
the ball. Remember this is a high accuracy shot,
which means that the least amount of moving
parts in the action will ensure consistency.
Notice how her weight has not shifted and
still remains on the target side foot.
This finish position (Picture 3) is imperative
for consistent chipping. Note that Rachel’s
weight has still remained on her target side
foot throughout the entire shot, ensuring a
downward blow into the ball and the very
straight position of both Rachel’s left arm and
the club shaft. The major problem that we
encounter as coaches when we see people
play this shot is that their left wrist bends
upwards through impact resulting in either
fat shots or thin shots.
1
2
3
4
5
6
When playing the Pitch Shot, club choice is
either the Pitching Wedge, Gap Wedge or the
Sand Wedge. As we did for the Chip and Run,
the determining factor will be the distance,
which you must carry the ball in relation to
the amount of green that you have to work
with. As a general rule of thumb the PW
will fly ½ of the total distance and roll the
other ½. While the SW will fly 2/3rd the total
distance and roll 1/3rd.
The Chip and Run and the Pitch Shot have
very similar set up positions. In Picture
4, note the stance width and the weight
distribution towards the target side foot. You
can also see that the golf grip is again in front
of the ball encouraging a downward blow
into the ball imperative for this type of shot.
The difference to note between Picture 5
and Picture 2 is the distance that the club has
traveled away from the ball. As the pitch shot
is played from a further distance from the
green, it therefore stands to reason to have a
slightly longer backswing.
You will see in Picture 6 that Rachel’s
weight remains on her target side foot and
her balance is good. You will notice that her
follow through is almost a mirror image of
the back swing, ensuring consistency in both
distance and direction.
Randall is an Instructor at the Rachel
Hetherington Golf Range, 425 Piggabeen
Road, Cobaki Lakes, 2486, and is available
for lessons specialising in video analysis and
launch monitor. Please contact Randall on
0408 381 924, or the Golf Range on 07 5590
7686 or email [email protected]
for further information.
THAILAND GOLF TOUR
Urban Golf Gear
20 - 28 Octoberber 2014
Hua Hin, Thailand
www.urbangolfgear.com.au
J
CP
All Inclusive Package:
7 nights Deluxe room accommodation at Centra Grand Beach Resort -with daily breakfast
Return airfares and charges to Bangkok, Thailand
4 rounds of competition golf (Majestic GC,