Golfers hear about chipping and pitching all the time, but honestly, it’s easy to get them mixed up. Chipping is a low, short shot that rolls more than it flies, while pitching is higher and lands softer, stopping quickly.
Picking the right one can really help us lower our scores and feel more comfortable with the short game.
Each shot has its own technique and purpose. Using the right shot in the right spot? That’s a game-changer.
If we know the basic differences between chipping and pitching, we’ll pick smarter shots and get the ball closer to the hole.
Key Takeaways
- Chipping keeps the ball low and rolling; pitching sends it higher with more spin.
- Each shot needs a different technique.
- Picking the correct shot gets us better results around the green.
Defining Chipping and Pitching
Chipping and pitching are both short game shots, but they’re for different situations. The technique, distance, and purpose for each one are unique.
What Is Chipping?
Chipping means hitting a low, short shot from near the green. The ball pops up for a second, then rolls toward the hole.
We’ll usually grab a less lofted club, like a 7-iron or pitching wedge, for chips.
Chipping uses a simple swing—firm wrists, almost no hinge. Shoulders do the work. It’s a straightforward motion and keeps the shot short and consistent.
A chip flies just a little, then rolls most of the way. We chip when there’s plenty of green between us and the hole, and we want the ball to run out to the target.
Understanding Pitching
Pitching is different. A pitch shot flies higher and carries farther through the air.
We use it for longer shots, maybe up to 30 yards out. For this, we need a higher lofted club, like a pitching wedge or sand wedge.
Pitch shots use more wrist hinge and a fuller swing. That gets the ball up and helps it stop quicker.
Pitching is handy when we need to get over trouble—maybe rough or a bunker—or if the green is tight. Since the ball lands softer, it doesn’t roll as much.
Technique Differences Between Chipping and Pitching
Chipping and pitching need different setups, clubs, and swings. Tweaking these basics helps us control the shot.
Stance and Ball Position
For chipping, our feet are close together and the ball is back in our stance. Most of our weight is on the front foot.
This setup keeps the shot low and lets it roll out. Our posture is pretty upright, and hands are ahead of the ball.
Pitching? We use a wider stance for balance. The ball goes forward, closer to the middle or even the front foot.
Weight is still a bit forward, but less so than chipping. This helps the ball go higher with more spin.
Swing Mechanics and Impact
Chipping uses a short, controlled swing—shoulders move, wrists stay quiet. The backswing and follow-through are both short.
We want to strike the ball cleanly and brush the grass after. The shot is low and rolls more than it flies.
Pitching is more involved. It needs a longer swing and more wrist hinge, kind of a “two-lever” move.
On the backswing, we hinge the wrists; on the downswing, we try to clip the ball sharply. There’s more weight transfer and a longer follow-through.
Pitch shots fly higher and land softer.
Grip and Club Selection
For chips, we might grip the club a bit firmer, almost like a putt. Most people grab a 9-iron, pitching wedge, or gap wedge.
These clubs keep the ball low and rolling.
Pitching usually means a sand wedge (56°) or lob wedge (60°). More loft gets the ball up fast.
Our grip is more neutral to allow wrist hinge and control. The club we pick depends on how high and spinny we want the shot.
Shot Outcomes and Course Application
Chip shots and pitch shots give us different results. Understanding these differences helps us pick the right shot.
Trajectory and Distance Control
Chips travel low and roll most of the way. It’s easier to judge distance, since we’re relying on the roll.
For chips, we use clubs with less loft—maybe a 7- or 8-iron—and make a short swing.
Pitch shots go higher and stop faster. We need a more lofted club, like a pitching wedge or sand wedge.
Pitch shots spend more time in the air, so we have to be more precise with swing speed and club choice.
Pitching is great for getting over rough, sand, or other trouble, or when the pin is tucked close to the edge. Chips are better on flat ground where the ball can run.
| Shot Type | Trajectory | Distance Control | Typical Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip Shot | Low/Roll | Easier to judge | 7-9 Iron, PW |
| Pitch Shot | High/Stop | Needs precision | PW, SW, Lob Wedge |
When to Chip vs. Pitch
We chip when we’re close to the green and there’s nothing in the way. The ball barely gets airborne and rolls almost the whole distance.
Chipping is best when the green is flat, firm, and not raised.
Pitching is the answer when we have to go over something—thick grass, a bunker, or if the green is elevated. The ball lands softly and doesn’t roll much.
If the pin is close to the edge, pitching is probably the way to go.
Choosing between the two depends on distance, the lie, what’s between us and the hole, and whether we need the ball to stop quickly or roll out.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are always questions about when to chip or pitch, what makes each shot work, and how to get better. Here are a few quick answers.
What are the typical distance ranges for chip shots compared to pitch shots in golf?
Chip shots usually go less than 30 yards. They fly a little, then roll out.
Pitch shots travel farther in the air—typically 30 to 50 yards—and land softer, with less roll.
How do the techniques for chipping differ from those for pitching?
Chipping uses a short, putting-like swing with the ball back in the stance and almost no wrist action.
Pitching means opening the clubface, using a wider stance, and hinging the wrists. The swing is longer and higher to get more loft.
In what situations should a golfer opt for a chip shot over a pitch shot?
If there’s no obstacle and the green is smooth, a chip shot is usually best. It’s simple and gives us more control.
What are the key fundamentals to master for effective chipping and pitching?
Good chipping needs steady legs, good posture, and the right ball position. For pitching, it’s all about controlling the clubface, using the wrists, and keeping a smooth tempo.
Clean contact and distance control matter for both.
How is a pitch shot in golf characterized and when is it most effectively used?
A pitch shot flies higher, lands softer, and doesn’t roll much. We use it when we need to clear something or stop the ball quickly near the hole.
It’s especially helpful from rough or when the pin is tucked behind a hazard.
What distinguishes a bump and run from a standard chip shot in golf?
A bump and run uses a less lofted club, usually something like a 7-iron. This keeps the ball low and lets it roll out more after landing.
A standard chip shot? That one calls for a higher lofted club, maybe a wedge. The ball pops up higher, but it doesn’t roll as much.
If the ground’s smooth and there’s plenty of green to work with, the bump and run can be a smart play.