Henrik Jentsch of Golf Academy 360° explains how elite players use ground reaction forces to master short chip shots. Based on force plate data, three key lower-body movements set professionals apart: they go up, back, and forward during the motion—while amateurs do the opposite.

1. Up (Vertical Motion):Great chippers elevate their center of mass (COM) during the entire swing. One tour player moved up by 2 inches in the backswing and reached nearly 4 inches at impact—never dropping down. This upward force supports clean contact and effective club release.

2. Back (Heel-to-Toe Shift):Instead of leaning toward their toes, elite players shift pressure toward the heels in the downswing. This heelward move flattens the swing and prevents chunks.

3. Forward (Lateral Motion):At the same time, they move the COM toward the target—supporting rotation and balance.

In short: Up, Back, and Forward—a proven formula for consistent chips.

1. Down:Many amateurs lower their COM during the swing, going from -2 to -4 on the force plate. This kills club speed and ruins contact.

2. Towards the Ball:The COM shifts toward the toes, leading to steep, unstable swings.

3. Only Forward:While amateurs do move toward the target, without the “up and back” motion, they struggle with control.

The result: “Down, Forward, and Left”—the opposite of the pro motion.

Start at the halfway point in your downswing and try to chip. It feels awkward at first—but to make contact, your body must rise. You’ll instinctively push upward, training the correct motion. Add your backswing once it feels natural.

What the Best Chippers DoWhat Amateurs Commonly DoCorrect It: The Pelvic Punch Drill

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