Common Set Up Errors
The “Standard Chip”, aka the chip and run.
Most short game shots are doomed before the club starts swinging.
The correct set up will significantly increase your chances of executing around the green.
Let’s take a look at some of the common set up errors.
1. Stance too wide.
Causes contact issues such as fat or thin.
A wide stance is more suited to a bigger swing. Think of the wide stance you have with driver. That allows you to have a shallow attack angle with a low point before the ball. Small swing, narrow stance!
2. Incorrect weight distribution.
Causes contact issues such as fat and thin.
A common error in establishing 60-70% of your weight on the lead foot is to shift the hips toward the target. This increases spin tilt. Instead, move your shirt button to the target.
3. Too much forward shaft lean.
Causes chunks & Low trajectory.
Too much forward shaft lean de-lofts the club resulting in a lower trajectory and too much roll. It also introduces the leading edge towards the ground, increasing chunks.
You never break-even when it comes to the short game. It either saves you shots or costs you shots.
4. Hands too far behind the ball.
Causes contact issues.
Your hands live to the inside of your lead thigh for all shots. Shaft orientation does change when ball position changes. We'll discuss this more in the chapter on Trajectory 1-2-3.
5. Ball position too far forwards.
Causes contact issues such as fat and thin.
Some shots do require a forwards ball position. But, when the club face is square is not one of them. This increases the chance of the low-point occurring early and leading edge digging.
6. Standing too far from the ball.
Causes path and contact issues.
I often see golfers setting up to their chip shots the same way they do for a full swing wedge shot. This throws off the set up. Remember, stand close and tall with the shaft more upright.
Set Up Essentials
-
Width of Stance
Incorrect: Big stances are suited to big swings.
Correct: One club head in between. As the swing gets “bigger,” the stance gets wider.
-
Weight Distribution
Incorrect: Hips are shifted too much toward the target to put weight on the lead leg. This increases spin tilt.
Correct: Upper body shifted towards the target, putting more weight on the lead leg without increasing spine tilt.
-
Shaft Orientation
Incorrect: Too much shaft lean increases the chances of digging the leading edge into the ground, which leads to chunks.
Correct: Slight forward shaft lean on the standard “chip-and-run.”
-
Weight & Shaft Orientation
Incorrect: Weight on the back foot with hands back. There are times when a neutral shaft orientation is correct, but not on the standard “chip-and-run.”
Correct: The butt of the club points at the zipper on the pants.
-
Ball Position
Incorrect: Too far forward for the standard “chip-and-run.” There are situations when the ball should be more forwards, and we cover that in Trajectory 1-2-3.
Correct: Ball in line with the back big toe or the inside of the lead foot.
-
Distance From Ball
Incorrect: Full swing set up.
Correct: One foot or one shoe length from the ball.
All Chipping Essentials Sections
-
![]()
Common Set Up Errors
Some of the most common set up issues that will ruin your chipping before you even swing the club!
-
![]()
Swing The "Y"
With the set up essentials nailed, it’s time to swing the club!
-
![]()
Common Swings Errors
Some of the common errors you’ll want to avoid!
-
![]()
The "Chip-Stick" Drill
Quit “flipping burgers” and start chipping with this simple drill!
-
![]()
Trajectory 1-2-3
Let’s level up and add some tools to your toolbox!
-
![]()
Chipping LLC
Learn the process. Apply the process. Happy days!
-
![]()
The "Putt-Chip"
My not-so-secret, secret weapon! You are welcome!
-
![]()
The "Hybrid Putt-Chip"
My not-so-secret, secret weapon! You are welcome!
-
![]()
The Truth About Lies
Make the right adjustments at the right time.
-
![]()
Set Up Essentials
Set up issues create swing issues and that applies to chipping as well. Let’s get started on the right foot.
-
![]()
Lead Hand Placement
A subtle but important grip adjustment from your regular “full swing” grip.
