4 Chipping Tips for Lower Trajectory Shots: How to Make the Ball Go Lower

4 Chipping Tips for Lower Trajectory Shots: How to Make the Ball Go Lower

When it comes to chipping, being able to control the height of your shots is key to a successful short game. Sometimes, you’ll need to keep the ball lower to get the right roll or to handle tough course conditions like wind. In this guide, we’ll cover chipping tips for lower trajectory shots, explaining how simple changes in your setup and swing mechanics can help you control the ball’s height effectively.

Setup Adjustments for a Lower Chip Shot

The easiest way to control the trajectory of your chip shots is through your setup. Making small adjustments can significantly lower the height of your shots.

A. Move the Ball Back in Your Stance

To lower the ball’s flight, the first step is to move the ball further back in your stance. By doing this, you’re making the club strike the ball on a more downward path, which reduces the launch angle and sends the ball lower.

• Tip: Experiment with how far back you place the ball, but keep it closer to your back foot than your usual mid-trajectory chip shot position.

B. Hands Forward for Shaft Lean

Another crucial adjustment is to move your hands further forward in your stance. This forward hand position creates more shaft lean, effectively de-lofting the club and lowering the ball’s flight.

• Tip: The more shaft lean you create, the more the loft is reduced, which makes the ball fly lower. However, be cautious—too much shaft lean can cause the club to dig into the ground if not executed properly.

Swing Mechanics for Lower Trajectory

Aside from setup changes, your swing mechanics also play a significant role in controlling the height of your chip shots.

A. Forward Hand Position in the Follow-Through

For a lower shot, ensure that your hands remain ahead of the clubhead throughout the swing, especially at impact and during the follow-through. This further encourages shaft lean and helps lower the ball’s flight.

• Tip: When making this adjustment, visualize your hands finishing further from your body to maintain the correct forward shaft lean throughout the shot.

B. Closing the Clubface in the Backswing

Closing the clubface during the backswing can also help lower the trajectory. By rotating the face slightly closed, you reduce loft, which sends the ball on a lower flight path. Be careful, though, as this can easily lead to shots veering left.

• Tip: To prevent your ball from going left when closing the face, maintain your hands in a forward position during the downswing to keep the direction straight.

Understanding the Challenges of Lower Shots

While these adjustments can help lower the ball flight, they do introduce some additional challenges.

A. Contact Consistency

By adjusting the wrist angles and shaft lean, you’re effectively changing the radius of your swing. This can make consistent contact more difficult, especially if you don’t adjust your body position to match the wrist movement.

• Tip: Practice adjusting your body tilt and height to ensure that you make solid contact with the ball even when your hands are forward and the clubface is closed.

Practice Makes Perfect

Making the ball fly lower requires both a good setup and precise swing mechanics. These changes might feel awkward at first, especially when it comes to maintaining clean contact with the ball. Be patient and practice regularly to develop the feel and control you need for these lower chip shots.

When to Use a Lower Lofted Club Instead

While altering your technique is important, sometimes it’s simply easier to use a lower-lofted club, such as a 9-iron or even a pitching wedge, instead of trying to manipulate the shot with a wedge like a 60-degree. Lower-lofted clubs naturally produce lower flight paths and require less technical adjustment.

By mastering these chipping tips for lower trajectory shots, you’ll gain more control over your short game, especially in situations that demand a low, rolling chip. Whether you adjust your setup or swing mechanics, practicing these techniques will help you hit more consistent, lower chip shots that improve your overall performance on the green.

Happy chipping!