Leg Action in Chipping

Leg Action in Chipping

When it comes to generating and using power to project an object in sport the ground becomes an important element. The role our lower body plays in the sequence in relation to using the ground, becomes important in producing, stabilising and using this energy.

Let’s take something simple like throwing a ball. If you wanted to throw it a good distance you would perhaps use an overarm throwing action. In the illustration you see how the feet and legs engage against the resistance of the ground and work earlier than the upper body sequence. They also help transfer weight from one side of the body to the other both rotationally and laterally.

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If you only wanted to throw the ball a short distance you would perhaps use and underarm throwing action. Here you see how the lower body is much quieter and the delivery is much more in the upper body.

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I have seen it suggested that the chipping swing is just a miniature version of a full swing. Although there are movements in the actions that will be the same or similar I think the analogy of throwing the balls apply quite well here. In chipping we are not trying to generate the energy in the same way and therefore our lower half works in a different way. One of the problems I see in some peoples chipping action is they use far too much legs and right foot movement. The delivery of the club to the ball is more consistent if it done with a co-ordinated upper body and arm/hands swing. If you have too much lower body try either putting a small ball (tennis ball size) between your legs, just above the knees in practice and this will get you feel the movement of your legs. Or try this one place another wedge under the heel of your back or trail foot so that you are standing on the face, this will lift the shaft off the ground. Practice some chips so that the shaft stays off the ground by keeping your heel pushed down. These type of drills are exaggerated and in normal play you won’t need to so restricted but it will definitely give you the feel of what you are trying to achieve.

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Paul Thompson, Fellow PGA Professional, Powerscourt Golf Club

Paul Thompson has been the Fellow PGA Professional at Powerscourt Golf Club in Wicklow since 1995. In addition to providing coaching on-site he also is a coach with The Golfing Union of Ireland. Appointments with Paul can be booked via Powerscourt Golf Club Reception: Tel (01) 204 6033 or the Golf Shop Tel (01) 204 6031. Read more about lessons from Paul Thompson by visiting the Powerscourt Golf Club Website.

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