Chipping and pitching are part of the "short game" in golf, and are important elements to help lower your score. Chipping usually refers to shots that are right around the green that just pop out of the grass and roll toward the hole. A pitch shot takes place from a little farther out, and is higher with more air time and less roll on the green. Both shots require a soft touch, and specific technique should be followed to execute them effectively.
Chip Shot
Step 1
Observe the lie of your ball to help determine which club to use. Most golfers will use their pitching wedge for chipping, but if you are in longer grass or cart path beside the green, you may want to modify. The goal is to get the ball on the green and roll it to the hole, so choose the club you feel will accomplish that with the lie you have.
Step 2
Walk up to your ball and set up so that the ball is positioned near your back foot. Hold your club so your arms form a triangle with your shoulders. Your hands should be slightly ahead of the club face, meaning your club is on an angle and your hands are closer to the hole than the head of the club. Keep most of your weight on your front foot.
Step 3
Swing the club back, while keeping the triangle intact. Keep your wrists stiff. The distance you want the ball to travel will determine how much backswing and follow-through you use. There is no set rule, and you will get the feel for it through experience. Try to land the ball about halfway between the hole and the front of the green.
Pitch Shot
Step 1
Address the golf ball as you would for any shot. Use your regular grip, but place the ball slightly back in your stance, with your weight on your front foot.
Step 2
Hinge your wrists in your backswing, and stop the backswing just after it passes your back knee. You may want to extend or shorten your backswing a touch depending on your distance from the green. Since a typical pitch shot is in the 30 to 60 yard range, the knee-level backswing is usually all you will need to get the ball to the green. Any more becomes a full shot, and less becomes a chip shot.
Step 3
Strike the golf ball on a slightly downward plane, and stop your follow-through with your hands relatively low and in front of your chest. Don't concern yourself with trying to hit up on the ball to get it in the air. The high loft on the face of your pitching wedge will send the ball into the air without any extra prompting. Many golfers have a tendency to look up to see where their pitch went too soon and end up hitting the top of the ball, so keep your head down and eyes on the ball through the entire shot.
Tips and Warnings
- Clubs with more loft on the face will produce higher shots for a chip shot or pitch shot.
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