If you have ever taken a lesson with me you will understand that knowing the difference between a chip and a pitch is very important. When my students are playing golf I stress the importance of knowing which shot you are going to execute. There is no such thing as a “chitch” (doing a pitch and a chip in the same swing)….this will not be a produce a consistent shot.

Definition:

A Chip shot is a shot that has little loft and more roll **(similar to a chipmunk: he hops and runs)

A Pitch shot is a shot that has more loft and little roll **(similar to a softball pitch where the ball has to get to home plate in the air)

Now as far as the swing:

A Chip shot you use just your shoulders to move your arms, your lower body does not move. It is just like a putt, but you are using a different club!

A Pitch shot you use your shoulders (just like a chip) but you add your hips. It is just like your full swing but shortened in your back swing.

As far as distance control:

A Chip Shot is anywhere from the ball to a 1/4 swing because you can only swing that far with your shoulders. If you look at the picture above, you can reference the times on a clock to help determine exactly where to take it back. No farther than 8 on a clock.

A Pitch Shot is taking you club back with your shoulders/ arms to 1/4 swing (8 o’clock) all the way to a  3/4 swing (10/11 o’clock).  Basically it is just like a mini version of your full swing, using your shoulders and hips to obtain distance. If you look at the picture above, you can reference the times on a clock to help determine exactly where to take it back.

I can talk about both of these shots for hours and go over many other things, but this is where the process of understanding your short begins. I look forward to posting a lot more blogs on the building of the difference between chipping and pitching.