There are many special shots which come into play around the green. If you do not land the ball on your approach shot or you are playing a par-5 and do not reach the green on your second shot, you may be left with a chip shot to the green.
Chip shots around the green are rarely going to be on even ground and if you have gone through the back of the green for example, there is a good chance the ball will be on a hill which is sloping towards the green.
This leaves you will a downhill chip and today we have a great tip to help you with this shot.
The key to playing a good downhill chip on to the green is to try and work with the slope and not against it. You must resist the temptation to try and help the ball into the air and if you can work with the slope, this shot should be no more difficult than a regular chip shot.
However, if you work against the slop, you can end up blading the shot and this could leave you in even more trouble.
On setup, tilt your shoulders and hips so they match the direction of the slop and are as parallel to the ground as possible. Obviously, if you are on a very steep slope, there is only so much you can do and you must always keep your balance.
When you address the ball, set the club face square to the target and lean the shaft forwards if you want the ball to travel on a low trajectory and slightly back if you want to play a higher shot. You will need to make you decision based on what is in-front of you and where you would like the ball to bounce.
The butt end of the club should be pointing to the centre of your body and open your stance so your feet are pointing slightly to the left of the target for right handed players and to the right of the target for left handed players.
When making the backswing, hinge your wrists so the clubhead stays in line with your leading forearm. Do not move your legs or hips and keep your centre of gravity ahead of the ball, trying not to move your head back during the swing.
On the downswing, think about using your body to play the shot and try and get your sternum around so it finishes well to the left of the target (or right of the target for left handed players).
Swing along the line of your stance and with the slope, keeping your sternum ahead of the ball. The key is to allow the sternum to lead and let the hands and club follow. Do not be tempted to allow the lower body to lead the shot.
