Chip and run basics

Setup

1. Players stand on the fringe or short grass 1–2 m off the green, with a hole 8–12 m away.
2. A hoop or towel lies about a metre onto the green in front of each station: the landing spot.
3. Stations at least 3 m apart on one line, all chipping the same way. The coach stands behind the line.

How it runs

1. Rehearse without a ball: a putting stroke, just a little longer, brushing the grass.
2. Take turns down the line so the coach can watch each chip. Each player chips five balls, trying to land in the hoop and let the ball roll to the hole.
3. House scoring: 1 point for landing in the hoop, 1 more for finishing within a club length of the hole.
4. When everyone has finished, the coach calls 'clear' and the group walks out together to collect. Nobody goes forward of the line before then.

Coaching points

• Narrow stance, ball a little back of centre, weight favouring the front foot.
• Hands slightly ahead of the ball at address, and still ahead after the strike.
• Rock the shoulders like a putt; hardly any wrist.
• Pick the landing spot, not the hole, as the target for the chip.

Common mistakes

• Trying to lift the ball with a scooping flick of the wrists.
• Weight drifting onto the back foot.
• A long backswing that slows down into the ball.
• Using a high-lofted wedge, so the ball flies further and rolls less than planned.