The short game is where good rounds are saved and bad rounds are rescued. Getting up and down from around the green — chipping or pitching close, then holing the putt — takes pressure off every other part of your game. Here's how to build a dependable short game.
Chipping vs. pitching: know the difference
- **A chip** is a low shot that spends more time rolling than flying. Use it when you have green to work with and no obstacles.
- **A pitch** is a higher shot that flies most of the way and stops quickly. Use it when you need to carry rough, a bunker, or a slope and stop the ball fast.
The golden rule: get the ball on the ground and rolling as soon as safely possible. A putt-like chip is far more reliable than a flashy flop.
The chipping setup
For a standard chip:
- Use a narrow, slightly open stance with your weight favoring your lead foot (about 60–70%).
- Play the ball back of center.
- Lean the shaft slightly toward the target so your hands are ahead of the ball.
- Keep weight forward throughout — no shifting back.
Then make a small, putt-like motion, letting the loft of the club lift the ball. Keep your wrists quiet and let your chest rotate through.
Club selection and the "one club, many rolls" idea
You don't need to change your technique for every shot — change the club instead. A lower-lofted club (pitching wedge or 9-iron) rolls out more; a higher-lofted wedge (sand or lob wedge) carries farther and rolls less. Learn the rollout of each club so you can pick the right tool for the distance.
The pitching motion
Pitches need a slightly longer, softer swing with a touch more wrist hinge. Keep your acceleration smooth through the ball and let the loft do the work. The most common pitching mistake is decelerating out of fear — commit to the length of swing you need.
Avoid the two big mistakes
Chunking (hitting the ground first) usually comes from weight hanging back or trying to "help" the ball up. Keep your weight forward and trust the loft.
Thinning (catching the ball's equator) often comes from lifting up through impact. Stay in your posture and let the club swing down and through.
Three short-game drills
The tee-height drill. Chip a ball off a tee pushed almost all the way into the ground. It trains you to brush the turf and catch the ball cleanly.
The landing-spot drill. Place a towel or headcover where you want the ball to land, and practice landing chips on it. Controlling your landing spot is the key to distance control.
The one-handed drill. Chip with just your lead hand to feel a stable, quiet-wristed release and better contact.
Practice the scoring shots
Most amateurs face the same chips over and over: 5–20 yards off the green. Spend the bulk of your short-game practice there. A few sessions a month will noticeably lower your scores.
Record your short-game technique and share it with the JoinSwingClub community for feedback — small tweaks in setup and contact can turn three shots around the green into two.