Chipping Vs Pitching | Complete Guide

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Chipping Vs Pitching Complete Guide
I look forward to working with you much more in the future with Top Speed Golf. Good luck with your golf.
Clay Ballard
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[@jeffmixon]

I want to know how anyone could rate this video (any of his videos) with a thumbs down. Clay Ballard is the best online instructor, period!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! 🙂

[@jeffmixon]

@@TopSpeedGolf Had I had these videos early in my golfing career, it wouldn't have taken me decades to unlearn all the bad habits I developed being self taught. ;-)

[@Sydjulia1414]

I agree, feel like all his videos are basically Golf For Dummies. So easy to follow and perform. So glad I found his videos!!!

[@khtan7928]

Agree! Thank you Clay!

[@hardoff]

Could be people he beat on the course?

[@quentinhill4567]

Been taking lessons and just couldn't get the hang of it, watched this video twice went out and practiced and holy cow, I did it! I'm more of a visual learner so this video was perfect for me, Thank you Clay!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it helped!

[@TTT-1961.]

This is a MUST WATCH for every golfer. The best YT instructor! What is uniquely great about this is that he includes “mistakes” too.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@donbaker7160]

Agreed! I love this guy. His videos are awesome and helped me out big time

[@tdr2345]

The first person to explain things in a way that's understandable

[@user-pe7ub2xq8r]

Best video ever I see in golf instructor, you’re the best sir.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Wow, thanks!

[@joejaime2987]

Thank you Clay, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I'm a 69 year old man, but since watching your videos I have improved my chipping by a ton👍 I now hit my chips with a lot more confidence. Thanks again 👍🏌⛳️

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to hear it!

[@scottlarsen7366]

Excellent stuff, Clay. I've started playing golf again and I'm now 65 years old. I used to play a ton of highly competitive amateur golf and I used to be able to get it up and down from the ball washer. Now, my biggest frustration is chili-dipping chips and pitches and it's keeping me from scoring well, even though I still hit the ball really well off the tee and am reasonably decent at my irons. This instructional video is bringing it all back to my mind and I'm looking forward to getting back out there to practice so I can get my brain out of the way and just let my body make the shots, at least somewhat similar to how I used to be able to do it. You get it, it's clear and I think you may have just saved my desire to even play the game!

[@stevenrogersfineart4224]

Such a great video. My dad had to pay tons of $$ to get advice like this 10 years ago :D

[@jossfangirl]

Thanks for the tips. I found i am hunching my shoulders a bit so I make sure my shoulder blades are pinching a bit together. And shoulders relaxed. Makes a huge difference in the swing plane.

[@vicwms4914]

This video has helped my Chipping improve immensely.. Thanks.

[@Slymax95]

Really enjoy your videos Clay. I watched your driver video last week and it helped me fix some of my issues. Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad to hear it

[@khtan7928]

So excited to try these out on the practice green. Thanks Clay!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Have fun!

[@jimpickard3850]

Clay, I've said this before, but you are the best coach out there, and this is the best video on chipping I've ever seen. Your explanations and demonstrations are so easy to follow. Thanks for everything mate.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I appreciate that!

[@brettzimmerman4566]

Love this video, great job, you are an amazing instructor, I took notes and will take this to the practice green.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kurtfletcher9161]

So glad I've found this video - most frustrating part of golf in my opinion and you have put that across perfectly clear , very well explained , all makes perfect sense - your videos will be my go to tutorials from now on - thank you ...Kurt , Nottingham U.K...hopefully I can put this into practice tommorow 👍 Subbed ⛳🏌️‍♂️

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it helped

[@janicetomaso2129]

Clay this video gets an A+. Thank you! 👏👏👏

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you liked it!

[@bighispanic92]

Beginner here at golf, like these tips and the way it’s explained. Bought a full set of very decent clubs for $30 at a yard sale (minus the putter). Wore the driving range out not bad for a first timer is what I was told. Any tips from anyone will be greatly appreciated!

[@johncupps9658]

I have never been able to chip.. Saw this video I went to the range today.. I spent 3 hours at the chipping green. Great video! I don't have great distance control yet But I can chip and pitch Without blading the ball or digging the club in the ground. 🤜🤛 I appreciate you!

[@johnherman3261]

Sooo important to have a good short game especially if you struggle putting. Thanks Clay!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Absolutely! My pleasure!

[@David-pj2ro]

really a great teacher, good demeanor and explain very well! Thanks!!!!!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@dougvoshel9451]

Love your videos. Watched the chipping part yesterday and used it during league play last night. HUGE help! Thank You!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great to hear!

[@fredwickwire2502]

Clay, Thank you. I have been golfing for 50 years. My game has improved immensely in the last couple weeks due to some of ur video's. I cannot thank you enough!!!

[@georgestrasdas6074]

I! I.

[@stevenkorrell8726]

Just love your videos! Very good easy to follow instruction. I haven't been able to master that fade yet though, but still working it. Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@any1younger]

Steven Korrell The FADE?! I’m a master of it - unfortunately, no idea how I make it look so effortless....🙄

[@mabblers]

This is an EXCELLENT Lesson!! Wow!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thank you kindly!

[@toddwmac]

Great stuff Clay. thank you.

[@mdl8399]

Following the advice to eliminate the use of lower body destroyed my short game. Lost feel and confidence and developed yips. Using knees and feet provide rhythm and let gravity do the work. Thank you for sharing this

[@edsloyer1012]

Great as usual. Thanks Clay!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Fjearnest]

Another great video thanks Clay

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@daniellazaro3]

Thank you. Awesome teaching

[@xBECK7x]

When I saw that this video was 40+ minutes long I thought it was going to be a lot of extra junk. But I've watched a couple of your videos and you are very informative and you explain in detail a lot of what I need to fix my swing. Thank you for TAKING THE TIME to make these awesome videos!! I can't wait to put some of these tips to use and get some good practice in.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed it! Play well!

[@garryhulgan5267]

very nice turf, great lesson, try this on winter turf, no grass, just dirt, so much different

[@atulshukla77]

Thanks Clay... this really helped .. m a biginner ... and feeling preeeeeety good following your tips ..

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great to hear!

[@benkelley6561]

I watched your video, went golfing last weekend, and no lie - chipped one right in the hole. Never done that before. Thank you!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Nice work!

[@benkelley6561]

@@TopSpeedGolf thanks!!

[@vwhite3217]

Clay, have been a fan for several years! Your methods are very easy to follow and implement. Understandable you are teaching a technique but under ideal conditions. The average golfer is not playing on a pristine course. Often times the lie for the ball ~ within 100 feet of the green is in uneven grass/dirt. Keep up the good work!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Awesome, thank you!

[@everydayimagination3738]

You are amazing coach. You taught me a lot, I wish I can hit with you just one time in person. I'm so grateful to find you here. I want to support you by buying your top speed merchandise. Thank you so much I do watch you everyday and when I go to sleep lol. I am a beginner golfer thanks to you I play well. I shot 89 on 18 holes for only playing 4 times on the golf course.( where can I buy your top speed T-Shirt )

[@tengkiatong6943]

Thank you Clay for the explanation .

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@any1younger]

BRILLIANT! I’ve been playing for x35yrs and always held back by an abysmal short game. I putt from 50yrds! Suddenly, it’s easy! Played on the rock hard links that is my home course and immediately this system worked - I couldn’t believe it, and not could my pals. Thank you so much (just don’t tell them). Ps my wife asked me to let you know she doesn’t like your beard🙄.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@altatejr145]

Very good instructions...thanks

[@mattartiste7214]

bravo for his explanations it is very complete and effective and relatively simple thank you Clay

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidrouse9921]

Many thanks from one of your followers from England

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure! Appreciate your support.

[@littlesongwriter]

This true key of shot.Thanks 👍☺️👏🥰

[@BlomMaster]

Thanks Clay, been practicing my chipping in the garden over the last week. Took to the course yesterday and did not duff a single chip and reduced my score by three just by making a few less two putts.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great to hear!

[@bowl830]

Awesome videos. I appreciate it

[@OneKingOneKingdom]

Wow Clay thanks man i am a par chipper thanks to your instruction bruh thank you for the knowledge

[@TopSpeedGolf]

No problem 👍

[@SamGreeneRacing]

A buddy of mine could not hit his wedges worth anything on Monday. Hopefully this helps him out. Your driver vids have helped me a ton. Now if only I could putt...

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Promopi1]

Clay, your an outstanding teacher and explain simply what you need to do in each area of instruction. In pitch shots you didn't address changes to uphill or downhill changes that need to be addressed. As players we have more uphill and downhill challenges. Would enjoy a a video how to make adjustments. I am am an avid member and supporter of your teaching. Let me know when you respond and where i can see your response.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the kind words. Here are two videos that cover this topic. They address the issue from a full swing perspective, but the same principles apply. Uphill: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKbdfH2igd-gnaM Downhill: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npbOn419aL6MrdU Best of luck! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@bamlani]

Too mush to digest in one go. Will watch it again and again. Very well explained. Thank you.

[@mammenmathew7967]

Great instructor.

[@rondondetrumpis938]

1:20 chip vs pitch wrist 2:45 knee, body movement 3:55 open face 6:00 different clubs 11:30 drill with tees 19:05 flop shot 21:45 reasons to open up 29:05 pitch versus full swing 32:50 stop duffing chips

[@g0lf535]

I just need to come play a round with golf with clay and pay for some lessons. Always explain things very well.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@g0lf535]

So you just name the time. 😂

[@NickWainwright6970]

The best chipping video on the web

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@NiklasNester]

God stuff man. Playing on non bermuda grass makes sure that some of your things wont work up here in the northern parts of Europe, where the bounce is like like 90% less then on your super course 🤣 But i still love your videos👍

[@rudyk1115]

Great short game technique! And no shank !!! 👍👍👍

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thank you 👍

[@gd2800]

great timing. I have league play today. Love the vids.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Enjoy!

[@davidcavon637]

Really like your videos Clay. And for these 20-30 yard shots I don’t care what you call them, but for me the difference between a chip and a pitch is measured by how much time in the air and how much roll out! Looks like you’re carrying most of the way in the air, minimum roll, and some spin...sounds like a pitch to me.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MPerski]

This is great 👍🏻 I tried it today and moving the arms & the body works, BUT … Got to keep your head still! I forgot that minor point, and shanked a chip 😩

[@spakuloid]

Clay, you are making quarantine bearable. Thanks for all these great videos. Now, how the hell do I get out of a crap greenside bunker with no sand? I lose at least 3 strokes on that shot.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! We are actually releasing a video in the future on this. The short story is that you open the face less and hit a little closer to the ball. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Max-eq2lx]

Thanks clay

[@donfisher6659]

The tip you bave about practicing by hitting off your carpet is a drill I use to practice my bunker game with ONE change. I take a sheet of paper and using a paper punch, I punch out a bunch of little white 1/4" dots. Then I place one on my carpet when the ball would be, and then a second dot 4-5 inches farther away from me. This allows me to hit the shot trying to PICK the dot off the carpet, and using the second dot as reference, I can see exactly where my club makes contact with the carpet (Sand), and I know if I made a good swing or not. Using a little white dot on the carpet would work just as well with your chipping drill. Try it and let me know what you think. Don Fisher

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nealsokay3243]

Great simple advice Clay 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks 👍

[@henrikshah]

amazing Loved the video

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@carlollave169]

Hi Clay. Great lessons. Simple and articulate. Btw, what model is that Nike hat you are wearing and where can I get one. Love it.

[@BP_Cali]

I know your vids are primarily on full swings and now some short game tips, but i'd love a video on some get-out-of-trouble shots: namely a low punch that would keep you under overhanging limbs but w/o having to sacrifice too much distance by just dribbling it into the fairway. Something that is low, hot, and running type shot.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the feedback. We'll definitely take that into advisement. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@JoDoDesigns2011]

Great to re watch video again Clay, haven't be golfing as much as I like, trying to finish building my 78 Camaro, but started to get back to the golf course. Thanks for all the videos.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Jody!

[@jeddyhi]

I like to chip with my 8 iron. Especially when the pin is clear across the green. I pick a landing spot and then envision the roll out like a putt rolling. Works pretty well, but I admit that it really all depends on your lie and position as to what club you use. Sometimes you need a lofty lob to land soft, etc....

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bryanwatson4865]

Clay, do you ever think much about the knuckles up/down through impact to control trajectory, more so for pitching than chipping? I like (and practice) your knuckles down to square the face in the full swing! Lord only knows where my golf game would have taken me in my younger days with your kind of instruction back in the day. Thank you!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yes, this can control trajectory. Knuckles down delofts the face which can lead to a lower trajectory while knuckles up releases the club earlier allowing for more loft and a higher trajectory. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@adrianwalsh7228]

Great videos. Love see you do one on shot shaping around trees etc at some time. Adrian from Ireland

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Adrian. Check our our channel. We have many videos on hitting draws and fades. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Sam-od5bj]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard I was wondering what you would say the optimal landing angle is with your irons? And would this number be affected by other things such as backspin? Thanks for the great videos.

[@joefranceschino3131]

Great tips thank you. How much bounce on wedges do you recommend for the average golfer particularly from tight lies?

[@rikiwind9199]

EXCELENTE!! entendi todo, a pesar de mi poco ingles. Gracias!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@jadenpeterson6762]

Should your chest be angled back (as mentioned on your chip shot drill) for full shots with a 9 iron let's say where you might want to take a divot. Thanks for the tips

[@nicktreloar295]

Looks like a lovely course with a nice fringe that you are chipping from. Where I play the ball quite often sits in a hole between the grass, or in the mud and a nice sweeping pitch will not catch the ball correctly. Also some of the lies are very thin. Can you advise the best chipping from a poor lie, I would really appreciate it.

[@Neptune212]

Good stuff

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@1jazzyjeff29]

Hi Clay let me start by saying thank u for your guidance on my golf game I have dropped 3 strokes in the last month. The only thing I keep hearing everyone say is CHOKE down on the grip. Maybe just my way of thinking but I believe CHOKE shouldn't be in a golfer's vocabulary instead u should imply GRIPPING down instead

[@Chadmann0802]

I’m all in on shoe slap, I dig it

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Play well!

[@user-ms9yv1ve7g]

Hi Coach Clay, thank your show for short game club. Another question is about distance. How could we consistently control the fly distance in pitch with 56, or pitching wedge? thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, I recommend something called the clock system. Imagine your hands are hands on a clock. Do some testing to see how far you hit the ball with the hands at the 7, 8, 9 and 10 o'clock positions. Use these positions to control your distance. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@user-ms9yv1ve7g]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard I try it before, however, I feel really hard to control my hand at 7, 8, o’clock 😢. It is unable to keep the swing speed. Help~~~ or any recommend vedio for this. Many thanks

[@damondodds5468]

Clay your awesome! I am struggling to chip from the rough!! The deeper the rough the more I miss hit my shot. How much force do I swing with?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Damon, those are tough. Firm up your grip and hit more steeply into the turf to take out as much grass interference as you can. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@damondodds5468]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard - Hi Quentin, I have seen you in some of the videos with Clay. The way you explain what the swing data is and how the different elements of the swing are the result of (bad alignment, over the top, loss of spine angle etc.) and then explain how to fix it. Your like Yoda - only for golf!!

[@suivzmoi]

17:13 smooth bro

[@TheKansasfan1]

Great video. Working so hard on this area. One thing I have noticed in my watching of the demonstration of the shot versus your vebal explanation is I notice you stay very connected in your upper body as you pivot around. I hsve taken that to the chipping area trying to comfortably keep my arm against my arm pit, a bit of PM'S hinge and hold, allow my legs to come through as you explain and I am having more consistent results. What are your thoughts about this connection?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Sounds good!

[@stian2165]

Can you do one where you go through different distances and what you change in your motion?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi, the motion doesn't change. It's just the length of the swing.

[@scheuermann11]

on the chips where do we want impact on the clubface, lower portion or center ? I am guessing lower so more grooves can impart spin ? So if I put foot spray on wedge face where do I want contact ?

[@stephenunderwood2296]

Nice shots

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@linvaldixon9498]

Great tips but I would like to see some drills on uphill and down hill lies from the rough

[@asht7290]

I just don't understand why this guy is not on #Tour. I'm sure he would kick some ass!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[@Anthony-km1sp]

Clay, first of all I really enjoy your videos. I struggle with chipping and have watched this video many times along with practicing the technique. I was still struggling with brushing the grass until I started keeping my lower body relatively quiet in the backswing, head still, then releasing legs and head in forward swing. Looking at your video, it seems that in your demonstration of the swing without the ball you seem to rotate your knees back. When actually hitting a ball, your legs are relatively quiet in the backswing. Am I correct in this observation? Thanks again. I’ll get it someday...I hope!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

If there's more rotation with a practice swing it's only because it's a longer swing than when hitting the ball. Good luck and play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@donbudge6706]

Hi Clay...I watched your chipping video with great interest. Chipping is easy? Not if you have any kinds of doubt or yips? Know what I mean. Your discussion of fundamentals is spot on but the problem is...with the yips...no amount of explanation can cure the problem. It gets pretty complicated and frustrating. Please let me know how to contact you regarding this subject. I have an idea that will blow your mind. Beautiful stroke...btw. You make it look easy!

[@rocksalittle]

At 12:40 you tell me there is no point for me to be watching this video. But I like watching your videos. However, I don’t want to watch them if there’s no point. LOL. I’m conflicted. 🤔... as per your recommendation I’ll watch a different one of your videos. 🏌️‍♂️👍👍

[@robertyu4313]

Clay, are you transferring any. weight on your backswing or downswing?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You want to try to keep your weight forward but some weight will be transferring. There isn't anything you can do about it. You're not actively trying to load up though because you don't need to. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@jonathanbarnes4262]

Hi, Thanks for keeping us sane during lockdown, top man!👍 Just a quick question, is it the same action for chipping in thickish rough & pitching in thickish rough or thick green fringe? Cheers

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You're welcome! The lie dictates everything. In heavier rough you'll want to come down steeper to mitigate the amount of grass that gets caught between the face and the ball. Best of luck! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@James-bn3in]

how about alignment? how are setting your feet and where do you place the ball in your set-up?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Club face open, stance open and ball placed off of the heel of the lead foot. Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

Best teacher/worst hat award

[@momof4darlings]

💯

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@signu127]

It would help if you told us which club u use a few times and weather or not you're changing your grip. More detail before the shot would be helpful. Thanks!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for the feedback. Play well!

[@mikedelaney9669]

What is your recommendation on bounce on a 60 degree? Any wedges you’d recommend?

[@mikedelaney9669]

26:26 - grip and stance and choking up

[@howtosellcars-aseriesoftra667]

yes

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@jimmcbride1626]

Wish the video included some down the line swing views to see distance to ball and body posture.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Jim, there are actually many views of this later in the video starting about about 29:00 or so. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@Optunity]

Clay, weight feels even on both feet or more weight on your left foot?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

More on the lead side

[@edwardmaloney5716]

Extra weight on front leg? Bow front hand?

[@nccw8683]

play I like your videos I watched over a hundred videos of different people and I am so mixed up people to say to do this do that do this do that in they ain't none of them the same it is a mess

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! Everyone is going to have a different philosophy. It doesn't mean one person is right and everyone else is wrong. There are lots of ways to do it. I would recommend following one and see if that fits the way you like. If it doesn't then try someone else's philosophy. I wouldn't recommend taking pieces from different philosophies because they may not fit together and it can get frustrating. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@denonhogue8623]

Coach could you do a video of you playing 9 holes and talk through different situations?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Denon, sorry, we don't do course vlogs. Thanks for watching. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@jeffreyericson]

Here is a question; am I doing myself a disservice by practicing in my back yard where the grass is high and dirt hard? When I get to the course with low grass and soft dirt, I top the ball. Wondering if the irregularities of my yard have me grooving my swing too high?

[@mikeoverturf5482]

A practice mat or some indoor/outdoor carpet pieces.