What is the Difference Between Chipping and Pitching

Understanding the difference between chipping and pitching is essential for any golfer looking to improve their short game. Both techniques have their unique benefits and are used in various situations around the green. Mastering these skills can significantly lower your scores and enhance your overall golf performance.

Chipping refers to a low-trajectory shot that focuses on rolling the ball across the green toward the intended target. Often employed when near the green, it is characterized by minimal air time and maximum ground travel. On the other hand, pitching involves a higher trajectory shot, allowing the ball to fly higher and cover more distance before landing on the green with minimal roll. This technique is most effective for longer distances, approximately within 30 yards of the green and when the ball needs to clear an obstacle.

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Key Takeaways

Chipping and pitching are distinct golf techniques essential for mastering the short game
Chipping is characterized by low-trajectory shots meant to roll across the green, while pitching involves higher trajectories and more air time
Golfers can improve their overall game by understanding when to use each technique and practicing them regularly

Fundamentals of Golf Strokes

Chipping

Chipping is a golf stroke that focuses on getting the ball in the air for a short distance before letting it roll to the target. This technique is usually used when you are near the green, within approximately 30 yards. The key to successful chipping is to minimize the ball’s flight and maximize its roll. Most golfers use a mid-iron or even a wedge for chipping, though some may opt for a wood or hybrid.

To execute a chip shot, you should have a narrow stance and place a majority of your weight on your front foot. Keep your clubface square to the target, and perform a simple one-lever move without wrist hinge, predominantly using your shoulders. This will result in a low shot with plenty of roll towards the hole.

Pitching

On the other hand, pitching is a stroke designed to get the ball up quickly in the air, making it ideal for avoiding obstacles like hills and bunkers. Distinctly different from chipping, a pitch shot typically covers a more significant distance of 30 to 50 yards and uses a higher lofted club, such as a pitching wedge or sand wedge.

The technique for pitching involves a more extensive range of motion than chipping. Start with a square stance and clubface, then execute a two-lever move where your wrists actively hinge alongside trunk movements. This generates a higher-trajectory shot, allowing the ball to land softly on the putting surface and stop quickly.

In summary, while both chipping and pitching are essential strokes in golf, they serve different purposes and require distinct techniques. Chipping is ideal for short distances and requires minimal flight and maximum roll, while pitching is meant to overcome obstacles with greater distance and involves a higher ball flight resulting in a soft landing.

Key Differences between Chipping and Pitching

Techniques

Chipping involves using a shortened, controlled swing to hit a low-trajectory shot that spends more time rolling on the green towards the pin. The key to successful chipping is to maintain a consistent, minimal wrist hinge while transferring your weight to the front foot during the swing.

Pitching, on the other hand, employs a longer, fuller swing with more wrist hinge, resulting in a higher shot trajectory. The ball will travel more through the air and have less roll once it lands on the green. Weight transfer is still essential for a proper pitch shot, but the focus should be on making clean, crisp contact with the ball.

Shot Distance

Chip Shots: These shots typically cover short distances ranging from just off the green up to around 30-40 yards. The aim of a chip shot is to get the ball rolling towards the hole, similar to a putt, but with a small amount of air time first.
Pitch Shots: Pitch shots can travel longer distances, usually from 40 to 90 yards. These shots are designed to fly higher, providing more stopping power and control when landing near the hole.

Club Selection

For Chipping: You can use various clubs when chipping, depending on your desired shot trajectory and distance control. Common choices include a 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron, as well as wedges. By choosing a less-lofted club, you can achieve a lower trajectory and more roll once the ball lands on the green.
For Pitching: Pitch shots generally require more lofted clubs, such as the sand wedge, gap wedge, or lob wedge. These clubs help achieve a higher trajectory, allowing the ball to stop quickly on the green and provide more control over the shots’ landing and rollout.

Common Mistakes in Chipping and Pitching

Choosing the wrong club: One common mistake in chipping is immediately grabbing the lob or sand wedge. While these clubs have their place, it takes time to master them. Instead, consider using pitching wedges, your 9-iron, or even your 8-iron for chip shots.

Ball flight misunderstanding: In pitching, ball flight is considerably higher and covers more distance than in chipping. Chip shots should stay low and are used when closer to the hole. Understanding the differences in ball flight for each shot will help you make better decisions on the course.

Poor stance and setup: Your stance is crucial in both chipping and pitching. Maintain a shoulder-width distance in your feet and keep your lead arm straight during the backswing. A little lower body movement, along with hip rotation, is also essential to get the ball in the air while pitching.

Overusing wrist action: Excessive wrist action is a common mistake in chipping and pitching. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and using the upper body to control the club’s motion. Minimizing wrist movement will lead to more accurate shots.

Neglecting downhill slopes: When playing a chip or pitch shot, it’s essential to consider the slope of the green. If you’re facing a downhill slope, be mindful of the fact that the ball will roll faster once it reaches the green. Adjust your shot accordingly to account for the speed of the ball to maintain better control.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and focusing on improving your technique, you will see significant improvement in your chipping and pitching performance on the golf course.

Improving Chipping and Pitching Skills

Drills and Exercises

To improve your chipping skills, follow these drills and exercises:

The Ladder Drill: Place several clubs or alignment sticks on the ground in evenly spaced increments, like the rungs of a ladder. Chip using different clubs to target each “rung” and adjust the distance accordingly.
The Three-Tee Drill: Set up three tees in a triangle, with one in front and the other two slightly behind. Practice chipping balls towards the front tee while avoiding the other two.

For enhancing your pitching skills, consider these exercises:

The Towel Drill: Fold a towel and place it on the ground, about five feet in front of you. Practice hitting pitch shots that land on the towel, focusing on trajectory and control.
The Bucket Drill: Place a bucket or similar target on the practice range. Work on pitching the ball into the target to refine your aim and distance control.

Tips from Professionals

Here are some valuable tips from professional golfers to further refine your chipping and pitching abilities:

Focus on your fundamentals: Ensure your grip, stance, and alignment are consistent and proper for each shot.
Control your clubface: Pay attention to the position of the clubface during your swing, as this affects the trajectory and spin of your shots.
Keep your lower body stable: Minimizing excessive lower body movement helps improve consistency and accuracy in both chipping and pitching.
Gradually increase shot difficulty: Practice various lies and situations to develop your ability to make a range of shots.
Dedicate practice time to both chipping and pitching: Spending time developing both skills will give you the tools to handle different situations on the course.