Mastering the One Hop and Stop Chip Shot: Your Guide to Short Game Excellence

Imagine the scene: you're just off the green, a tricky lie between you and the pin. Do you reach for the flop shot, risking a skulled disaster? Or do you play it safe, leaving yourself a lengthy putt? There's a better way. Enter the one hop and stop chip shot – a technique that offers precision, control, and a whole lot less stress around the greens. This isn't just another shot to add to your arsenal; it's a key to unlocking short game mastery.

What is the One Hop and Stop Chip Shot?

The one hop and stop chip shot is a technique designed to land the ball a short distance onto the green, with the intention of it checking up quickly after just one hop. This contrasts with a chip-and-run, where the ball spends more time rolling than in the air, and a flop shot, which flies high and lands softly. The one hop and stop provides a middle ground – a controlled, predictable trajectory with a reliable stopping action. This shot is especially effective when you have a relatively clear path to the green, but don't want the ball to run too far past the hole.

Why Master the One Hop and Stop?

**Enhanced Control:This shot allows you to dictate how far the ball rolls, crucial for tight pin positions.
**Improved Accuracy:The predictable trajectory leads to more consistent results, getting you closer to the hole.
**Reduced Risk:It's a safer option than the flop shot, minimizing the chance of a disastrous mis-hit.
**Versatility:Adaptable to various lies and distances around the green.
**Confidence Booster:Once mastered, it becomes a go-to shot, instilling confidence in your short game.

Setting Up for Success: The Stance and Grip

The setup is paramount for any golf shot, and the one hop and stop is no different. A proper stance and grip will set the stage for a successful execution.

Stance

**Feet:Position your feet closer together than your normal full swing stance. This promotes stability and control.
**Ball Position:Place the ball slightly back of center in your stance. This encourages a downward strike and helps impart backspin (which, while minimal, aids in stopping the ball.)
**Weight Distribution:Favor your lead leg (the leg closest to the target) with approximately 60-70% of your weight. This helps maintain a stable base and promotes a descending blow on the ball.
**Open Stance (Optional):A slightly open stance (where your lead foot is pulled back a few inches) can help you swing along the target line more easily.

Grip

**Grip Pressure:Use a light grip pressure. Tension is the enemy of feel and control. Imagine holding a fragile bird – you want to hold it securely, but not crush it.
**Grip Style:A neutral grip is generally recommended, but some players prefer a slightly weaker grip (rotated slightly towards the lead hand). Experiment to see what feels most comfortable and consistent for you.
**Choke Down:Shorten your grip on the club. This gives you more control over the clubface and promotes a more precise strike.

The Perfect Swing: Technique and Execution

The swing for the one hop and stop chip shot is compact and controlled, focusing on feel and precision rather than power.

The Backswing

**Hinge and Hold:Initiate the swing by hinging your wrists slightly. The goal is to create a V shape between your lead arm and the club shaft. Maintain this angle throughout the backswing.
**Limited Arm Movement:Keep your arms relatively close to your body. Avoid a wide, sweeping backswing, as this can lead to inconsistency.
**Shoulder Turn:Engage your shoulders to rotate slightly. This helps generate power and maintain a smooth, controlled motion.

The Downswing

**Maintain the Angle:Resist the urge to release your wrists too early. Maintain the V angle formed in the backswing as long as possible.
**Downward Strike:Focus on striking the ball with a descending blow. This ensures clean contact and helps impart the desired spin.
**Lead with the Hands:Let your hands lead the clubhead through the impact zone. This helps maintain control of the clubface and prevents flipping or scooping.
**Follow Through:Continue the swing smoothly, allowing the club to naturally release towards the target. The length of your follow-through will influence the distance the ball travels.

Club Selection: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Selecting the right club is crucial for executing the one hop and stop effectively. The loft of the club will determine the trajectory and roll of the ball.

**Sand Wedge (54-56 degrees):Ideal for shots requiring a higher trajectory and minimal roll. Useful when you need to clear an obstacle or land the ball softly.
**Gap Wedge (50-52 degrees):A versatile option that provides a good balance between height and roll. Suitable for a variety of distances and lies.
**Pitching Wedge (46-48 degrees):Offers a lower trajectory and more roll. Best suited for longer chip shots where you want the ball to run closer to the hole.
**9-Iron or 8-Iron:For bump and run shots where you want the ball to stay low and run a significant distance. These are great choices depending on the amount of green you have to work with .

**General Rule:The further you are from the green, the less loft you'll need.

Distance Control: Mastering the Art of Touch

Distance control is the key to consistently landing the ball near the hole. This comes down to feel and practice, but here are a few tips to help you dial in your distances:

**Swing Length:Vary the length of your backswing and follow-through to control distance. A longer swing generates more power and distance.
**Grip Position:Adjust your grip position to fine-tune distance. Choking down further on the club will reduce distance.
**Practice, Practice, Practice:The best way to develop a feel for distance is to practice regularly. Spend time chipping from different distances and lies to develop a sense of how far the ball will travel with different clubs and swing lengths.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect technique, occasional mis-hits are inevitable. Here's how to troubleshoot some common issues:

**Skulling the Ball:This occurs when you hit the ball with the leading edge of the clubface. To prevent this, focus on maintaining a downward strike and keeping your wrists firm through impact.
**Chunking the Ball:This happens when you hit the ground before the ball. To correct this, ensure your weight is properly distributed on your lead leg and focus on making clean contact with the ball.
**Inconsistent Distance:This is often caused by inconsistent backswing and follow-through lengths. Focus on developing a consistent swing rhythm and practicing distance control drills.
**Ball Rolling Too Far:This could be due to using too little loft on your club. Increase the loft of the club you are using.
**Ball Not Rolling Far Enough:This could be due to using too much loft on your club or decelerating through the ball. Decrease the loft of the club you are using or make sure you accelerate through the ball.

Practice Drills to Sharpen Your Skills

**Ladder Drill:Place several targets (tees, coins, etc.) at progressively increasing distances from your practice spot. Chip balls to each target, focusing on controlling distance.
**One-Club Challenge:Choose one club (e.g., a gap wedge) and practice chipping from various distances and lies. This will help you develop a feel for the club and learn how to control distance with different swing lengths.
**Targeted Landing Zones:Identify specific landing zones on the green and practice landing the ball within those zones. This will improve your accuracy and distance control.
**Up Hill and Down Hill Practice:Find a practice area with different slopes around the green. Practice chipping from up hill and down hill lies to improve your adaptability.

Advanced Techniques: Adding Finesse to Your Game

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques to add even more finesse to your short game.

**Spin Control:By manipulating your wrist action and angle of attack, you can influence the amount of spin on the ball. A more downward strike with a firm wrist will generate more backspin, causing the ball to stop more quickly. A shallower angle of attack with a softer wrist will reduce spin, allowing the ball to release more.
**Lie Adjustment:Learn to assess different lies and adjust your technique accordingly. For example, if the ball is sitting down in the grass, you may need to use a steeper angle of attack to ensure clean contact. Conversely, if the ball is sitting up on a fluffy lie, you may be able to use a shallower angle of attack.
**Wind Adjustment:Account for the wind when selecting your club and aiming your shot. A headwind will cause the ball to fly higher and shorter, while a tailwind will cause it to fly lower and longer.

The Mental Game: Confidence is Key

Mastering the one hop and stop chip shot is not just about technique; it's also about confidence. Believe in your ability to execute the shot, and don't be afraid to take risks. Visualize the shot before you hit it, and stay focused on your target. By combining solid technique with a positive mental attitude, you can unlock your full potential around the greens.

The one hop and stop chip shot is a valuable tool for any golfer looking to improve their short game. By mastering the proper setup, swing technique, and distance control, you can consistently land the ball closer to the hole and lower your scores. Remember to practice regularly and develop a feel for the shot. Embrace the challenge, and soon you'll be confidently executing the one hop and stop, saving strokes and impressing your playing partners.