In day to day lessons i see and hear so contracting statements about setting up to a basic chip and pitch. In reality between those two shots there is no difference in set-up, thats why i strongly believe that all golfers need the right fundamentals and pre swing thoughts at address.
Here are some of the common issues and mistakes at set-up -
Incorrect Set-Up can lead to unwanted manipulation in the swing
In the above set-up i demonstrate what i feel is an incorrect set-up. The ball position is being played to far back in the stance with too much shaft lean, the stance is too open (feet pointing left) to the club face aim. The issues that i commonly see from this type of set-up is a swing that is too steep and across the ball through impact. I often ask pupils what are we trying to create in a chip shot, backspin or side spin>?? The obvious answer is backspin. This set-up is creating a slicing swing through impact, this is often quite hard to repeat and an action that is not very forgiving for the golfer. In this set-up the golfer prone to using too much of the leading edge of the club and not enough of the clubs bounce. The bounce is the angle between the back of the sole to the leading edge, with excessive shaft lean the golfer tends to bring the handle in first taking off all the bounce at impact, a very unforgiving move!!
So what is the correct set-up ??
A Neutral/Square Set-up
This is what i like to call a Neutral/Square set-up.
My process is -
* Feet Parallel to club face aim
* Face square to target
* Ball Position middle
* Hands on golf ball line (minimal shaft lean)
For me this is one of the most consistent ways to set-up for a chip or pitch. I find this allows me to swing more naturally on very neutral lines. This certainly is an easier approach to the fundamentals and one that is more forgiving for the golfer. I find amateur golfers can find more neutral positions in their swing and certainly get themselves into technically stronger positions in swing.
Try this next time to your out at your club, any questions about the above please email at tim@timhallschoolofgolf.com or comment below.....