7/19/2021
However, the issue is not exactly a release issue, but rather a sequencing issue and really has nothing to do with “keeping the hands ahead”. You see, peak speed or maximum acceleration in the chip shot takes place
after the golf ball, or after you make contact with the ball. The
flip is a premature deceleration of the chest and the arms, forcing the clubhead to get out in front of the hands. When hitting this shot, it’s imperative to allow the chest and arms to continue moving towards the target. It also helps to support the club with the chest while turning – imagine your upper arms are partially sewn to your chest for a visual.
So, if you tend to flip your hands through impact on your short shots, my recommendation is to have a trained eye observe your mechanics and sequencing. If you’re told to keep your hands ahead and lean left, be cautious. While pressure on the left side is important on the short ones, it’s not the cure to the flip and the same is true for the hands ahead. Assess, don’t guess 😊
As a little bonus, here is my formula for Chip/Pitch Shot Setup:
- Narrow Stance
- Flared Front Foot
- Get Stacked and Open
- Trail hand grip is on top (Weak)
- Soft lead arm – not straight and rigid like many do in the full swing
- Soft arms
- Enough hip hinge so that your arms can just hang underneath you
If you are interested in learning more about the short-game, I do have a short game school this Saturday at 9am until 12:30pm, that is now full,
but I have opened another date on
Saturday August 7th at the same time for all who are interested. Class sizes are limited to 4 or 5, so it will be first come first served.
Remember, over 70% of the game is played from within 100 yards and only a maximum of 14 shots a round are hit with a driver.
For Short Game School sign up, please use the following link:
https://madgolflessons.as.me/?appointmentType=25240182
Thank you for reading,
Ryan Rinneard
Director of Instruction
Mad River Golf Club
[email protected]