chipping thoughts

[EF426]

Hey everyone, I coach a small girls high school team up here in Wisconsin. These are players that I'm just hoping can shoot in the 50's for 9 holes at this point.

They all seem to chip with a more level strike - brush the grass - use the bounce - type swing. Before, my thought would have been to teach everyone a COFF style front edge - hit down shot.

But I was thinking today that they're not too bad chipping like they do so I might be better off helping them hit that shot and just working on what clubs carry and roll different distances.

Should every golfer learn a front edge chip shot? Should we just stick to what comes naturally and try to get better at it?

 

[Lindsey Newman]

Teach 'em both techniques. Then teach how and where to use them.

 

[ZAP]

From someone who is trying to learn to use the tour pitch I know I will be happy when I can do both. It will be a valuable tool.

 

[faux_maestro]

Second Lindsey's thoughts. Those are 2 valuable shots to be able to hit.

 

[EF426]

I agree that it would be best to learn both.

The problem is working with high-schoolers. Nice kids but they might not have the patience. Plus I might have a hard time convincing them that I can hit it better that way.

I used to think that you couldn't be a good player if you didn't learn the front edge hit down chip. Sort of like basic - acquired - total motion thinking I'm still recovering from. Suppose the goal is to play bogey golf. How much effort should you put into this shot?

 

[Brian Manzella]

Don't do it.

Brush only.

 

[holeout]

Agreed with Brian. At their level, trying to teach them how to hit another shot isn't in your best interest.

I'd rather be sickly good at more of a brushing technique anyways. More shots you can play that way.

 

[EF426]

Thanks for the input.

Looks for most we'll be chipping with 8 and 9 irons. I do have one player that seems to naturally hit down on it more. I'll have her use the sand wedge.