A chipping net is one of the simplest pieces of golf practice gear you can own, and it can earn its place in any backyard. These golf chipping net drills turn a basic target into structured short game practice, focusing on clean contact, distance control and choosing the right trajectory. You do not need a big garden; a patch of lawn or a hitting mat and a few paces of space is enough for most of them.
Setting up your chipping net
Before the drills, a few minutes of setup makes practice more useful:
- Surface: Chip off grass if you can, because that is what you face on the course. If you are protecting a lawn or practising on a patio, use a hitting mat.
- Distance markers: Lay out tees, coins or small cones at several distances from the net, for example short, medium and long steps. Pace them out so you can repeat the setup next time.
- Clear zone: Make sure nobody is standing near the net or in line with your swing. Short shots still travel fast when thinned.
- Stability: Light chipping nets can tip or slide. Stake or weigh them down if the listing allows.
If your chipping net is part of a bigger home setup, our golf practice net buying guide covers full-swing nets too.
9 golf chipping net drills for home practice
1. The ladder drill
Place markers at three or four distances. Hit one ball from the closest marker into the net, then move back one marker, and so on. If you miss, you go back one step. This teaches you to adjust swing length for distance, which is the core of good chipping.
2. One club, many shots
Pick a single club, such as a pitching wedge, and hit chips from every marker using only that club. Vary the length of your backswing and the ball position to change carry. It builds feel and teaches you what one club can do.
3. Many clubs, one target
Now reverse it. Stand at one marker and hit to the net with several clubs, from a lofted wedge to a mid iron. Notice how the lower-lofted clubs fly lower and roll more. On the course, this helps you choose between a high, soft shot and a lower bump-and-run.
4. Landing spot drill
Place a towel or hoop on the ground between you and the net. The goal is to land the ball on the towel and let it release into or towards the net. Good chippers think about where the ball lands, not just where it finishes, and this drill trains exactly that.
5. Brush the grass
Without a ball, make small practice swings and focus on brushing the grass (or mat) in the same spot every time. Then add a ball and keep the same feeling. Consistent low-point control can help reduce fat and thin chips.
6. Lie roulette
If you practise on grass, drop balls randomly instead of placing them neatly. Some will sit up, some will sit down. Play each one as it lies into the net. Real chips rarely come from perfect lies, so this adds useful variety.
7. Ten-ball challenge
From a medium marker, hit ten balls and count how many finish in the net. Write the number down. Next session, try to beat it. A simple score gives purpose to practice and shows whether you are improving over weeks.
8. Pressure finisher
End each session with a "must make" rule: you cannot stop until you get three in a row into the net from your hardest marker. It adds a little pressure, closer to how a chip feels on the course when the score matters.
9. Up-and-down simulation
If you have a putting mat or a patch of lawn nearby, chip into the net, then imagine the ball finished a short distance from the hole and hit a putt from that distance. Scoring chip plus putt as a pair makes practice feel more like real golf.
Sample 20-minute chipping session
| Time | Drill | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 min | Brush the grass | Low point and rhythm |
| 3–8 min | Ladder drill | Distance control |
| 8–12 min | Landing spot drill | Choosing a landing area |
| 12–16 min | Many clubs, one target | Trajectory |
| 16–20 min | Ten-ball challenge, then pressure finisher | Scoring under pressure |
You can fold this into a longer session alongside full swings with our 30-minute golf net practice routine.
Common chipping mistakes a net helps reveal
A net gives you instant feedback. Watch for these patterns:
- Balls that fly over the net: Often a sign of a thin strike or too long a swing. Shorten the backswing and keep your chest turning through.
- Balls that come up well short: Can come from hitting behind the ball or decelerating. Commit to a smooth acceleration through the ball.
- Inconsistent height: Check that ball position and hand position are the same for each shot with the same club.
These are general tips, not a diagnosis. If a fault persists, a lesson with a qualified coach can help.
Choosing a chipping net
Chipping nets come in different shapes: upright baskets, multi-ring targets and flat nets that sit on the ground. When comparing listings, check:
- Opening size relative to the distance you will chip from.
- Base stability and whether stakes are included.
- Folded size if you want to store it in a bag or car boot.
- Mesh and material so balls stay in rather than bouncing out. Our net mesh size guide explains what to look for.
Read seller ratings, reviews and return policies before ordering, and confirm the dimensions in the listing.
Safety tips
Even short shots can hurt if they catch someone. Keep pets and people out of the hitting area, never chip towards windows or a road, and check the net for loose fittings. For more general advice see our safety page.
For more ideas, explore the golf category or read about how much space you need for a golf practice net.
Frequently asked questions
How far away should I stand from a chipping net?
There is no single right distance. Start close enough that you can land a good share of balls in the net, then move back as you improve. Using several marked distances in one session is more useful than practising from just one spot.
Can I practise chipping indoors with a net?
Yes, if you have enough height and use a hitting mat to protect the floor. Make sure there is nothing fragile nearby, and consider softer practice balls in tight spaces, keeping in mind they do not fly like real balls.
Which club should I use for chipping practice?
Practise with the clubs you actually chip with on the course. Many golfers use a wedge or two plus a mid or short iron for lower bump-and-run shots. Drills that use several clubs help you learn which to pick.
How often should I do chipping net drills?
Short, frequent sessions tend to be easier to fit in than long, rare ones. Even 15 to 20 minutes a few times a week can help you build feel, as long as each session has a clear goal.
Ready to set up your practice space?
Browse golf practice nets and compare sizes on AliExpress.
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