How to Get a Backspin on a Chip Shot

An old adage about golf states that players "drive for show" and "putt for dough," but the key to lowering your scores is how well you play with your short irons. The clubs that constitute the short irons in a golfer's bag include the 8-iron, 9-iron, pitching wedge and sand wedge (some golfers also use what is known as a loft or lob wedge). These clubs are slightly shorter in club length and have more angle on the club head than regular irons. Using backspin when hitting chip shots can allow you to have more control over the landing position of the ball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the ball slightly back in your stance, with your feet close together. Align the edge of the ball away from the hole just parallel with the instep of your back foot. Position your body so more of your weight is on your front foot.

    • 2

      Place your hands slightly ahead of the ball at the address, with your shoulders slightly open.

    • 3

      Move your hands down the grip of the club between 1/2 to 1 inch, depending on the length of the club, if you are making a shot of 40 yards or less.

    • 4

      Take the club back as in your normal swing, stopping when you hands are level with your back shoulder.

    • 5

      Drive the club forward, hitting downward onto the ball. Accelerate your swing as you approach the ball. Make sure to hit the edge of the ball rather than the grass underneath.

    • 6

      Follow through as normal, stopping your swing once your hands are level with your front shoulder.