The Best Free Golf Video Lessons565 Free Golf Lessons from the Best ProsOver 120,000,000 views
565 lessons from professionals, selected and summarizedOver 120,000,000 views across all videos
ChippingBall Position by ClubWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Beginner ⏱ 3 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Phil Mickelson's Chipping Ball Position: Up or Back

For Phil Mickelson, most missed chips are decided before the swing: the ball is positioned between his feet, without having decided between a low shot and a high shot. His chipping technique is based on three adjustments at address.

▶
Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

5 minNext Level UpHigh-Hands Chip off the Toe: Tiger and SchefflerTiger Woods · Intermediate / Expert8 minNext Level UpRory McIlroy's short-side chip on a tight lieRory McIlroy · Intermediate / Expert3 minFrom the same proPhil Mickelson's Sand Divot in the Bunker: The KeysPhil Mickelson · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

With a putter, the face is square, and there are a thousand ways to strike the ball well. With a 60° wedge, it’s the leading edge which comes first: all chipping is therefore aimed at keeping it low. Hence three rules. One: the weight on the front foot, otherwise the leading edge will lift up. Two: the hands in front of the ball, never behind it, to the point of forming an inverted angle with the handle.

Three: decide between a low chip and a high chip. For a low, rolling shot, place the ball on the back foot side; for a high, soft shot, on the front foot side. But never in the middle: With the ball centered, shifting your weight forward causes the club to swing over the ball, and to lift it, you adopt a spoon grip while shifting your weight back. Your weight and hands, however, remain forward in both cases. To make the ball stop more or less quickly, you then adjust the clubface angle.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. First, choose the type of shot: low and rolling, or high and soft.
  2. Place the ball on the back foot side for a low shot, and on the front foot side for a high shot.
  3. Shift your weight to your front foot.
  4. Move your hands forward in front of the ball.
  5. Play the chip without changing these settings during the shot.
  6. If you want the ball to stop faster, open the clubface slightly.

Key Takeaways

With a wedge, the leading edge makes contact first: you have to keep it low.
Your weight should always remain on your front foot.
The hands are always in front of the ball.
Low chip: ball on the back foot side; high chip: ball on the front foot side.
The ball is never placed in the middle of the feet.
The angle of the clubface then determines how the ball stops.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Place the ball between your feet without deciding on a shot.
  • Shift your weight back to help the ball rise.
  • Play with your hands behind the ball.
  • Try to “scoop” the ball to lift it.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Five low chips, ball on the back foot side
  2. Five high chips, ball on the front foot side, same target
  3. Check before each shot: weight forward, hands forward
  4. Vary the face angle on high chips

Your Questions

Why does Mickelson refuse to place the ball in the middle of his feet?

Because with the ball centered, the golfer hasn't chosen his shot. If he shifts his weight forward, he'll swing over the ball; if he wants to lift it, he shifts his weight back and uses a spoon.

Where should you place the ball for a high chip shot?

Front foot side. Your weight and hands stay forward, just like with the low chip: only the ball position changes.

Should you shift your weight back for a high chip shot?

No. In this lesson, your weight always stays on your front foot: if it shifts to the back, the leading edge rises and contact becomes inconsistent.

How can I make the ball stop faster?

By hitting it high, with the ball on the front foot side, and then adjusting the clubface angle based on the desired stop.

Learn More

All “Chipping” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Ball Position by Club” →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Rory McIlroy's short-side chip on a tight lieOn a tight lie against the grain, Rory maintains a wide, smooth swing, then switches from an open wedge to a 54° wedge with a square face depending on his position on the green. High-Hands Chip off the Toe: Tiger and SchefflerTiger and Scheffler first assess the lie: if the ball is sitting well, a high chip off the bounce; if the ball is buried, a low chip with hands high, the toe down, and a hook. Flighted Wedges from Scheffler, Morikawa and KordaThree champions rarely hit a wedge full: use a longer club, a smoother swing, and less spin for a low ball flight and consistent control. Phil MickelsonAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Phil Mickelson). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros