The Best Free Golf Video Lessons565 Free Golf Lessons from the Best ProsOver 120,000,000 views
565 lessons from professionals, selected and summarizedOver 120,000,000 views across all videos
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Wedge Play: Pitching, Chipping and Distance Control

Most strokes are saved around the green. Find out what's costing you shots, then the pro lesson that fixes it: chips, bump-and-runs, pitches, spin, tricky lies or wedges from 55 to 110 yards.

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The Short Game in 30 Seconds

The short game includes all shots played near the green. The chip flies a little and drives a lot; the pitch flies higher and rolls less; the solid wedges cover the last 55 to 100 yards.

Almost all good shots have three things in common: weight on the front foot, contact with the ball followed by the ground, and a follow-through that doesn't lose momentum. Next, choose the simplest shot for the situation, and then adjust your swing accordingly.

The Basic Chip: Contact and Landing Point

A good chip starts with a clean strike: weight on the front foot, the ball well positioned, and the wedge gliding along the ground on its bounce. These lessons provide a simple technique that’s easy to repeat.

The Pitch: Distance and Trajectory

From 20 to 65 yards, you control a pitch with swing length and trajectory. These pros show how to hit it low, standard or high without changing technique.

Making the Ball Bite: Spin and Backspin

A ball that stops quickly results from a clean strike, well-managed loft, and sharp acceleration. Spin can't be forced—it happens naturally.

Tricky Lies and Delicate Shots

Thick rough, a tight lie, a short flag behind a bunker: the first step is to read the lie; the second is to choose the safest shot.

Solid Wedges from 55 to 110 Yards

Pros rarely hit a wedge full out: they use a longer club, a softer swing, and distance markers. This allows them to aim for the flag rather than the green.

The Pros' Short Game Sessions

How the best players structure their practice around the green, from chipping to bunker shots.

More Short Game Lessons

Your questions about the short game

What is the difference between a chip and a pitch?

A chip is a short shot that flies a short distance and rolls a long way, played with a small motion. The pitch flies higher and rolls less; it requires a wider swing, often with a wrist snap.

Which club should I choose for chipping?

A simple rule: Choose the club with the narrowest loft that allows you to clear the obstacle and roll the ball toward the hole. Depending on the space available, this could range from a lob wedge to a 7-iron.

How do I stop chunking or skulling my chips?

Shift your weight to your front foot, keep your hands slightly ahead of the ball, and let the wedge's bounce glide along the ground. The lessons in the “Basic Chip” section cover these points one by one.

How do you hit a backspin shot with a wedge?

Backspin results from clean contact with the ball followed by the ground, a sharp acceleration, and clean grooves. A tight lie and a high-quality ball help; in the rough, the ball will grip the ground much less.

How many wedges should you have in your bag?

Most golfers have three or four wedges, with a 4- to 6-degree difference in loft between each one. The key is to know the distance you hit with each one.

How can you practice your short game?

Vary your shots and distances rather than repeating the same shot. Exercises like the wedge pyramid or chip landing spot provide reference points that you'll recognize on the course.

📖 Word of the Day: Chipping — the definition, before moving on to the videos.

All “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” videos, by shot type

Follow the best drills to improve your pitching and chipping in golf

In short: how to really improve your wedge play

Arms and body must stay in sync in wedge play

Maintain the hand-shoulder triangle when chipping, but keep your body relaxed

Keep your arms and torso connected when chipping

Turn your torso toward the ball at the finish of the chipping shot

Ball between the midpoint and the back foot when chipping

Hold the club fairly upright to avoid fat chips

Do not try to lift the ball when pitching

A pitch isn't about throwing the ball up into the air—it's about throwing it forward.

Engage Your Entire Body to Enhance Your Pitching Motion

Don't put your head behind the ball when pitching

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros