Fault fixer: ladder drill
Published:
SHORT GAME
Get in the zone
Create a ladder target to improve your chipping control
Fault: Misjudging how far you carry the ball Fix: Improve your feel with a ladder
On any feel shot, the ball’s first bounce can make or break its success. Choosing a level, firm and predictable piece of ground for that bounce – and having the ability to hit that zone – are essential if you are to get up and down on a regular basis. So here is a drill that will improve your ability to carry the ball your chosen distance, and land the ball on your chosen spot. All you need are a few lofted irons (or Phil Mickelson uses towels laid out).
1:Build your ladder
Head to the chipping area. Use four clubs or alignment canes or your longer irons
to create a series of three zones, running away from you. Space them evenly, with two strides between each cane/shaft a decent guide.
2: Throw down
Start by throwing balls. Go up the ladder, lobbing the balls into zones 1, 2 and 3 – then back to 1. Use this process to get used to placing your attention on your landing zone as you throw the ball.
3: New order
Once you get good at going up and down the ladder, make things a little harder by choosing random zones. Pay attention to how focusing on your zone helps you gauge the appropriate force in your throwing action.
Switch to a club
Start with your wedge and simply repeat your throwing drills. Forget technique; this is a drill to improve feel, so keep your focus on your landing zones and let your chipping action respond to the target you’ve set yourself.
ANDREW MURRAY
ANDREWMURRAYGOLF.COM
The former Tour winner is a Lexus andTrump Turnberry ambassador
MORE TIPS ONLINE
www.todays-golfer.com/tips
