#182 Chipping with spin turns ordinary short shots into scoring opportunities

This Podcast by Hendrik Jentsch from Golf Academy 360° explains how golfers can generate spin on short chip shots through proper technique while maintaining control. The focus is on the importance of loft, speed, and angle of attack. It emphasizes that using a well-designed club and maintaining a neutral grip are key to preserving loft at impact. A shallow swing is recommended instead of a steep one to ensure clean ball contact.

Common mistakes such as a steep angle of attack, de-lofting the club, and decelerating through impact are highlighted, along with practical solutions to improve spin generation and control. According to Hendrik Jentsch from Golf Academy 360° powered by Sportsbox, the following core techniques and principles are essential for spinning chip shots successfully:

1. Loft (Clubface Angle):This is the most important factor.

• Use a high-lofted wedge (e.g., 56 to 60 degrees).

• Maintain loft at impact by keeping your hands neutral and avoiding excessive forward shaft lean.

• Slightly open the clubface to ensure the ball contacts the high-lofted section of the face.

2. Speed:While speed is the main factor for spin on full shots, it plays a different role in chipping. Because short chips lack high speed, maintaining the correct loft becomes even more critical. However, a crisp, confident stroke is still necessary.

• Avoid decelerating through impact, as this leads to inconsistent contact.

• Hit the ball with a firm but controlled motion, ensuring clean contact on the grooves.

3. Angle of Attack:Many golfers believe a steep angle of attack produces more spin, but this often results in fat shots. Instead, focus on a shallow, sweeping motion.

• Shift your weight slightly forward to promote ball-first contact.

• Let the bounce of the wedge glide through the grass rather than digging in.

• Maintain a consistent, controlled tempo to avoid over-hitting or hesitation.

• Too Steep an Angle of Attack:
  Leads to "chunked shots" (hitting the ground before the ball) and loss of loft at impact.

  • Fix: Focus on a shallower, flowing motion instead of a chopping action.

• Excessive De-lofting of the Club:Reduces spin and leads to low, rolling shots.

  • Fix: Maintain loft by keeping your hands more neutral and avoiding excessive forward press.

• Decelerating Through Impact:Causes inconsistent strikes and loss of control.

  • Fix: Stay committed to the stroke with a smooth, accelerating motion.

Key Factors in Generating Spin on Chip ShotsCommon Mistakes and How to Fix Them.

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