The Pitch/Chip Difference

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf     Setting the shaft at address is the major difference between pitch and chip shots.   With a chip shot your hands are set further ahead of the ball at address and as the ball is hit, the grip end of the club is leaning forward and in this manner you have essentially delofted the club.   The  leading edge of the club  hits the ball first and then contacts the ground.

During a pitch shot, as the clubhead strikes the ball the shaft of the club is nearly vertical and the grip is just slightly ahead.   The bounce of the club hits the ground as the ball is struck.   The bounce of the club does not allow the leading edge of the club to dig into the ground.