Chipping and pitching are key to improving your golf short game, which makes up 60-65% of all shots. Here’s the quick difference:
- Chip Shot: Low flight, more roll (33% air, 67% ground), easier to execute, ideal for clean lies and no obstacles.
- Pitch Shot: High flight, minimal roll, more spin, harder to master, best for clearing bunkers or rough.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Chip Shot | Pitch Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist Action | Minimal | More active |
| Swing Length | Short, compact | Longer, fuller |
| Weight Distribution | 55-60% on lead foot | Evenly balanced |
| Ball Position | Back of stance | Center of stance |
| Body Rotation | Minimal | More pronounced |
| Typical Use | Maximize roll, no obstacles | Clear hazards, soft landing |
| Difficulty | Easier | Requires more skill |
Use chips for low-risk situations like clean lies and short grass. Opt for pitches when you need loft, spin, or to clear hazards. Choosing the right shot can save you 3-5 strokes per round. Let’s break it down further.
The Pitch Shot vs. The Chip Shot
Chipping vs. Pitching: Main Differences
Knowing how chipping and pitching differ can make a big impact on your short game. Each shot serves a specific purpose and calls for its own technique.
Shot Comparison Chart
| Aspect | Chip Shot | Pitch Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist Action | Minimal | More active |
| Swing Length | Short, compact | Longer, fuller |
| Weight Distribution | 55-60% on lead foot | Evenly balanced |
| Ball Position | Back of stance | Center of stance |
| Body Rotation | Minimal | More pronounced |
| Typical Use | No obstacles, maximize roll | Clear hazards, quick stop |
| Difficulty | Easier to execute | Requires more skill |
These differences aren’t just technical – they guide how you approach each shot during a round.
When to Use Each Shot
Choosing between a chip and a pitch depends on factors like your lie, obstacles, and the green’s layout. Here’s how to decide:
-
Chip Shots work best when you have:
- A clean lie in short grass
- No obstacles in your way
- Windy conditions needing a low trajectory
- Limited green to work with
-
Pitch Shots are the go-to option for:
- Clearing bunkers or thick rough
- Poor lies that need extra loft
- Situations where spin control matters
- Carrying the ball over longer distances
Chip shots, with their 1/3 air-to-roll ratio, are ideal for managing wind or fast greens[2]. On the other hand, pitch shots let you navigate hazards and stop the ball quickly.
For example, if you’re 20 yards out with a bunker in the way, a pitch shot is your best bet. But if the path is clear, a chip shot will get the job done efficiently.
Understanding these distinctions sets you up for smarter decisions on the course. More on situational strategies in the next section.
Choosing Between Chips and Pitches
Now that we’ve covered the technical differences, let’s dive into when to use each shot during a game. Picking the right shot can make all the difference in saving par and lowering your scores.
When to Chip
A chip shot works best when the conditions favor rolling the ball. This shot uses a low trajectory, offering more predictable rolls and better control.
Downhill Lies
Chipping is ideal on downhill slopes where pitching could result in thin contact [1]. The low flight path helps maintain control over both distance and direction.
Tough Conditions
If you’re dealing with sloped lies or strong winds, chipping is often the safer bet. The lower trajectory minimizes external factors that might throw off your shot.
When to Pitch
Pitch shots are your go-to when you need to clear obstacles or achieve a precise landing. The higher trajectory gives you more control over spin and where the ball stops.
Difficult Lies
In thick rough or tight lies, pitching helps make cleaner contact [1]. It’s designed to lift the ball smoothly from tricky surfaces.
Wet Turf
On wet ground, pitch shots are better at avoiding skidding and give you more control over how the ball lands and rolls.
Here’s a quick reference table to guide your decisions:
| Condition | Preferred Shot | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Wet turf | Pitch | Avoids skidding |
| Thick rough | Pitch | Ensures clean contact |
| Bunker within 15yds | Pitch | Clears obstacles |
| Fairway lie | Chip | Consistent rolling |
Making the right choice in these situations sets you up for better execution, which we’ll explore next in Shot Setup and Execution.
Shot Setup and Execution
Now that we know when to use each type of shot, let’s go over the techniques for chips and pitches. Getting these basics right will help you stay consistent around the green.
Chip Shot Steps
Chipping is all about creating a motion similar to putting, with little to no wrist movement. Stand closer to the ball than you would for a full swing, with your feet about 6-8 inches apart. Place the ball slightly back in your stance [2]. This setup helps ensure clean contact and better control.
Setup Position
- Place the ball closer to your back foot.
- Grip down on the club to improve control [4].
Execution
Keep your lower body steady and let your shoulders drive the movement. Think of it as a pendulum motion, much like putting. Aim to strike slightly down on the ball, producing a low trajectory with a controlled roll toward the target [1][2].
A useful tip is the "20/80 rule" – carry the ball about 20% of the distance and let it roll the other 80% to the hole [4]. This method helps with both consistency and distance control.
Pitch Shot Steps
Pitch shots involve more movement and rotation than chips. The setup and swing are designed to create a higher trajectory and softer landing.
Setup Position
- Use a slightly wider stance than you would for chipping.
- Position the ball in the middle of your stance.
- Keep your hands in a neutral position.
Execution
Unlike chipping, pitch shots require a wrist hinge during the backswing [1][3]. Rotate your body through the shot, and let the clubhead finish above your hands in the follow-through [1][2]. This movement ensures the ball gets the height and spin needed for a soft landing.
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Fix These Common Errors
Even seasoned golfers often find their short game to be a stumbling block. Addressing mistakes in chip and pitch shots can make a huge difference in your performance around the green.
Chip Shot Fixes
Too much wrist movement is a frequent issue, leading to inconsistent results. Try the "clock face" drill: picture your arms as the hands of a clock and swing from 7 to 5, keeping your wrists steady. This helps you achieve a smooth, pendulum-like motion.
Another common problem is slowing down as you hit the ball. To fix this:
- Work on acceleration drills: Focus on making smooth, accelerating practice swings through the hitting zone.
- Visualize "painting" the grass: Imagine drawing a line on the grass with your club through impact.
- Keep your head steady while maintaining a consistent follow-through.
Pitch Shot Fixes
Pitch shots demand precision, and mistakes here can ruin your approach. Deceleration through impact is a major culprit. To address this, use the ‘whoosh’ drill: practice swinging so you hear a "whoosh" after impact, ensuring speed continues past the ball.
Ball position is another frequent issue. Many golfers place the ball too far forward or back in their stance. Here’s a simple exercise to find the right spot:
- Place three balls in your stance – one in the middle (ideal position), one slightly forward, and one slightly back.
- Hit each ball and observe the differences in trajectory and feel.
Lastly, poor weight transfer can lead to weak or off-target shots. Avoid staying stuck on your back foot. Instead, focus on rotating your body toward the target, letting your arms naturally follow through.
These adjustments will set you up for more effective practice, which we’ll dive into next.
Practice Methods
Sharpen your chipping and pitching skills with these specific drills designed to tackle common challenges.
These exercises will help you apply the adjustments discussed earlier.
20/80 Chip Practice
- Choose a target 30 feet away.
- Mark a 6-foot landing spot.
- Aim to land your chips on the mark, allowing the ball to roll out to the target.
Target Landing Drill
- Lay a towel on the green.
- Practice pitching from 10 to 30 yards.
- Focus on achieving soft, controlled landings.
PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas often uses a similar drill, called the ‘Leapfrog Drill,’ to fine-tune his accuracy.
Tips for Effective Practice
- Dedicate 15 minutes to each drill.
- Alternate between drills during practice sessions.
- Experiment with different lies and slopes.
- Simulate real recovery scenarios to prepare for on-course challenges.
Incorporating these drills into your routine will help reinforce the setup and techniques you’ve worked on.
Next Steps
After mastering the 20/80 Chip and Target Landing drills, it’s time to refine your short game by incorporating advanced techniques and tools.
Tools and Techniques to Elevate Your Short Game
These methods build on your earlier skills and help you turn challenging situations into opportunities to save strokes.
Expand Your Shot Options
Work on creating different shot trajectories to handle a variety of conditions. Focus on adjusting your approach based on:
Leverage Modern Tools
Take advantage of technology to fine-tune your game:
- Launch monitors: Analyze spin rates and carry distances
- Video analysis apps: Review your technique in detail
- Stats tracking apps: Monitor your performance trends [2][3]
Strengthen Your Mental Game
Prepare for high-pressure situations by developing a solid pre-shot routine. Include visualization techniques and controlled breathing to stay calm and focused [1].
For more detailed training, the How To Break 80‘s Precision Putting Course offers specific strategies for improving your chipping and pitching techniques.
FAQs
How far should chip and pitch shots go?
Chip shots are ideal for distances of 20-30 yards, especially from fringe areas. They typically involve about 20% carry and 80% roll, as explained in the 20/80 Chip Practice drill. Pitch shots, on the other hand, are better suited for 30-60 yards and often require a fuller swing.
When should I chip instead of pitch?
Go for a chip shot when:
- The ball lies cleanly.
- There are no obstacles between you and the target.
- You need better control in windy conditions.
Opt for a pitch shot when:
- You need to clear obstacles.
- The ball is in deep rough and needs more loft.
- The green is wet and requires a softer landing.
What’s the biggest mistake when deciding between the two?
Many golfers mistakenly choose to pitch when a chip would be more effective. This ties back to earlier advice: keep the ball lower whenever possible. Shots that stay closer to the ground tend to offer better control and consistency.