NOT FOUND: improve short game 2.jpgSo often you are 50 yards or closer to the green and all you need to do is get the ball on the green and two putt for a decent score on a hole, then the next thing you know, you are playing your fifth shot and still not on the green because you bladed your wedge over the green, then chunked it trying to get on the green. This will not do too much for your confidence on the next hole either.

Part of solving and improving your short game is preparing for the shot. Here are some steps to mentally consider before you play the shot.

First, assess your lie. This will help determine if you are going to play a chip or a pitch.

So you have a decent lie and decide to pitch the ball. Next decide which wedge you will use, taking into consideration how much green is between you and the flagstick. If there isn’t much green to work with then a sand wedge or lob wedge may work the best. If you have plenty of green to work with, then a pitching wedge may be the club, since you will get some roll out of the shot. Decide where you want to land the ball and visualize the ball either checking or releasing to the hole.

NOT FOUND: improve short game.jpgNext is to set up accordingly for the shot you want to play. Since you are playing a pitch shot, don’t move the handle too far ahead of the ball or place too much weight on the left foot. Place the ball position in a neutral position, centered with your stance, with a little weight on the left with the handle slightly forward.

Take several practice strokes to get the feel for the shot. Then step up and execute the shot. If you go through these steps, you are less likely to blade or chunk your shot.

Here is a review of the steps: 1. Assess your lie. 2. Decide what shot to play. 3. Choose the best club to play the shot with. 4. Set up accordingly.

5. Take some practice swings. 6. Execute the shot.

Here are some drills to help you to prepare for executing the shot correctly.

For chipping, use your left hand only and make short swings like you would do for a chip shot. Do not let the club head pass the hands on the follow through. The left hand and forearm should rotate slightly on the backswing and the forward swing. Also let your left hand hinge upward on the backswing. Once you hinge, notice the ball position as it relates to the position of the handle and the position of the club head. The handle is closer to where the ball is than the club head. On the downswing, the handle should get past the ball before the club head gets to the ball, feeling like you are trapping the ball. In your follow through, hold the club head out in front of you and check the position of your left hand to see if you have slightly rotated the handle through.

Your follow through should be below your waist.

Use your right hand only to get the feel for the pitch shot. The key here is to maintain a light grip pressure so the right wrist can hinge and allow the arm and club to fall freely to the ground using the bottom of the club to make a thumping sound when it strikes the ground. With both of these drills, the body is encouraged to pivot slightly to the left on the forward swing to help support the arm swing throughout the shot.

Take more time to execute the short shots and you will end up placing your ball in a position to have a chance at par or bogey instead of taking a big number which ruins a solid round.