Chipping involves hitting the golf ball from a spot close to the green, and requires technique and touch in order to get the ball as close to the hole as possible.
Stance
Chipping is combination shot between a full swing and a putt. Swinging full will launch the ball past the green, while using a putting stroke will cause the ball to go only a few inches. Adjust your stance to reflect this. Stand close to the ball as you would for a putt, but far enough away that you can take a reasonable swing. Your feet should be close together. This will ensure minimal lower body movement, which can affect your swing and the flight of the ball. The ball should be in the center of your stance, aligned with your sternum.
Hit Down
Some golfers assume that to get the ball in the air, you need to pull the club up on impact. The face of a wedge (the type of club used in chipping) is designed to lift the ball into the air when the club is swung normally. You should be pushing the club down through the ball instead of trying to lift it up. One way to achieve this is by aligning the club so your hands are ahead of the ball at the address. Form an imaginary line from the ball going straight toward your body. Make sure both hands are fully in front of that line as you set up your swing. Keeping this angle with your arms and hands will help ensure proper impact as you swing down through the ball.
Read the Green
Many amateur golfers tend to think of a chip more as a shot than a putt. But because a chip rolls more than a regular shot, you should read the green as if you were putting the ball. You want the ball to act as a putt after it hits the green, so treat your pre-shot routine the same way you would if you were putting. Crouch down and use your putter as a sight line to get a good look at the contours of the green. Take into account whether the hole is uphill or downhill from your chip, as you'll have to adjust the power of your shot accordingly.
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