Pitch and chip shots are a critical component of any golfer's game because when they are executed correctly, they reduce the number of putts needed to finish out a hole. According to Ben Hogan's "Power Golf," the difference between these two shots is distance. Chip shots are generally within 20 yards of the pin, while pitch shots are between 20 and 50 yards away.
Pitch Shot
Step 1
Line up to the ball so it is just behind the center of your stance. Lean over the ball so your sternum is roughly over it. Let your arms hang loose and hold the club shaft so it is angled ahead of the ball while the club face is kept open. Bend your knees slightly and keep your shoulders level.
Step 2
Pull the club into your backswing by rotating your arms and shoulders in a single motion away from your target. When your hands pass back beyond the plane of your knee, cock your wrists back to increase the downward angle of the club.
Step 3
Release your wrists and drop the club sharply toward the ball. As the club is released, rotate your arms and shoulders in a single motion down toward the ball so you return to your exact starting position at the moment of impact.
Step 4
Follow through the ball by continuing to rotate your shoulders and chest toward the target. Keep your arms rigid through the shot so you end with your chest perpendicular to the target and the club pointing straight ahead.
Chip Shot
Step 1
Assess the conditions of the green and any obstacles you will need to overcome when the ball lands. A chip shot is a very short shot that is intended to land on the green and roll, so understanding the slope, grain and speed of the green are critical to the finish of a successful chip shot. Roll a ball on the green toward the fringe before your shot if you are uncertain about these factors.
Step 2
Address the ball with your feet slightly open. Stand over the ball with your knees comfortably bent. Keep your wrists firm, but still have a light grip on the club. The club face is held at a natural angle that is not too open and likely to undercut the ball. Hold the grip of the club so it is angled ahead of the ball.
Step 3
Rotate your shoulders and arms back to lift the club, but do not bring it any higher than your knees. Keep your weight mostly on your forward foot to prevent pulling the shot and getting too much loft.
Step 4
Drop your arms into their forward swing down and through the ball. Professional golfer Tiger Woods advises keeping your wrists firm throughout the shot, as the natural tendency is to break your wrists at this point and scoop the ball.
Step 5
Accelerate through the moment of impact. Because chip shots do not have a lot of power in them naturally, it is important to maintain your speed through the impact and follow through on the shot so the club finishes ahead of you like it would on a long putt.
Member Comments