Chipping

[Yoda]

I use the basic motion on straight forward chips from good lies. Variation is sometimes an open stanceline.
From less than good lies i like to hit more of a cut chip with open stance and planeline, and then a little it of pivoting comes into play. [Bold by Yoda.]

This is good stuff, Thom. The Pivot is especially applicable for Swinging Chips and Pitches (to aid in Left Arm Acceleration), and this post will deal largely with that application. The Pivot also can be useful in Hitting Chips and Pitches as well, but then in a different way (as a means of Accelerating the Right Arm and not the Left).

The 'pure' Stage One of the Basic Motion Curriculum mandates Zero Pivot. After all, how much Pivot do you need on a five-foot Putt? Despite this limited application, the Left Arm's Muscle Power contribution to the Stroke is minimal. Instead, its contribution is structural. Yet, despite its feeble 'Muscle Power' and largely inert status, the very fact that the Left Arm (and Club) serves as the Radius of the Stroke -- and also the Checkrein of the Right Elbow and its Bend -- makes it the Master Accumulator. This is the Radial Power of the #4 Accumulator.

In Swinging Pivot Strokes, the Left Arm is Accelerated into Impact by the Thrust of the Pivot -- specifically, the Thrust of the Downstroke Right Shoulder Turn. In other words, the Left Arm does not Pull itself into Impact. Instead, it is Accelerated by the Body Turn. Only in the most miniaturized Strokes does the 'disconnect' from the Body occur.

So, only in the very shortest Shots does the Left Arm Thrust originate within itself. Almost always, it is Thrust by the action of the Pivot. For this reason, Homer Kelley advocated introducing the Pivot into the Stroke "as soon as it becomes useful." And the Pivot becomes "useful" just as soon as the Left Arm needs a little help in its Acceleration during the Start Down and through the Ball. The Pivot's early introduction serves another purpose as well: Namely, to teach it how to move when ultimately it must move.

One thing that must move in the Backstroke is the Right Hip. Whenever I see a Right Hip still frozen (in its Address position) at the end of Start Up, I know we've got a problem. Happily, the problem is readily solved by introducing the Pivot.