The 3 Most Important Short Game Shots to Practice

Master your short game by focusing on these three key shots. Improve your scores by practicing chipping, pitching, and bunker shots effectively.

By Ryan Park, Golf Performance Coach 2026-07-19

The three most important short game shots to practice are chipping, pitching, and bunker shots. By focusing on these, golfers can effectively apply the Pareto principle—80% of your results will come from 20% of your practice efforts. Mastering these shots can significantly lower scores and improve performance around the green.

Why Focus on Chipping?

Chipping is a crucial shot in golf that frequently comes into play during a round. It involves short, precise strokes used to get the ball onto the green and close to the hole. Practicing chipping can help you save strokes by reducing the number of putts needed.

Chipping Drills

• Circle Drill: Set up a circle of tees around the hole, each about three feet away. Chip from various distances and aim to land within the circle consistently. Perform this drill with 20 balls, recording how many land within the circle. Aim to increase this number over time.
• One Club Length Drill: Chip the ball to end within one club length of the hole. This encourages accuracy and control. Use 10 balls and try to achieve this goal with at least 7 out of 10 attempts.
• Landing Spot Drill: Identify a specific landing spot on the green and practice hitting it consistently. This drill helps improve distance control and precision. Set a goal to hit the spot 8 out of 10 times from different angles.

How to Improve Your Pitching?

Pitching is essential for longer shots within the 20-40 yard range. It's all about trajectory and stopping the ball quickly on the green. By practicing pitching, you enhance your ability to handle challenging situations.

Pitching Drills

• Distance Control Drill: Place targets at various distances (20, 30, 40 yards) and practice hitting pitches to each target, focusing on controlling distance through swing length. Use 15 balls per distance, and aim for at least 10 to land within a three-yard radius of each target.
• Trajectory Drill: Practice hitting high and low pitches by altering ball position and clubface angle. This helps in different course conditions. Perform 10 high and 10 low shots, focusing on consistent trajectory.
• Pendulum Swing Drill: Focus on a smooth, pendulum-like swing to improve rhythm and consistency. Use 20 balls and aim for a consistent follow-through on each shot.

Mastering Bunker Shots

Bunker shots can be intimidating, but mastering them is crucial for maintaining scores. These shots require a different technique, focusing on hitting the sand rather than the ball directly.

Bunker Shot Drills

• Line Drill: Draw a line in the sand and practice hitting the line consistently to improve sand contact. Use 20 practice swings, focusing on striking the line each time.
• Explosion Drill: Focus on exploding the sand rather than the ball to gain confidence in getting out of the bunker. Use 15 balls and aim to achieve a consistent height and distance on each shot.
• Footprint Drill: Stand in a bunker and make a footprint. Practice hitting balls out of the footprint, focusing on maintaining balance and control. Use 10 balls and strive to get them all out of the footprint.

How to Allocate Practice Time?

Balancing your practice time is essential for seeing improvements. Allocate time based on the frequency and importance of each shot type during a typical round.

For example, dedicate 40% of your short game practice to chipping, 30% to pitching, and 30% to bunker shots. This distribution ensures you address all critical areas effectively. If you practice for an hour, spend 24 minutes on chipping, 18 minutes on pitching, and 18 minutes on bunker shots.

Benefits of Regular Short Game Practice

Regular practice of these key shots leads to better touch and feel around the greens. Consistent practice builds muscle memory, leading to more confidence during actual rounds. Moreover, incorporating these drills into a weekly practice plan can help lower your handicap over time.

As you practice, focus on quality over quantity. It's better to execute a smaller number of well-practiced shots than to rush through a larger volume with less attention to detail.

Using the Right Equipment

To optimize your short game practice, ensure you use the right equipment. Clubs with proper loft and bounce can make a significant difference in performance. Consider getting fitted for wedges as part of your overall equipment strategy, similar to how you would for irons, as discussed in when to get fit for irons.

Using a wedge with the right bounce can help prevent digging into the turf or sand, allowing for cleaner contact and better control.

Tracking Your Progress

Tracking improvements can motivate you to continue practicing. Keep a journal or use an app to record your practice sessions and rounds. Analyze which areas need more focus and adjust your practice routine accordingly.

For more strategies, explore mastering key short game shots for lower scores with Flighting. Regularly review your progress to identify patterns and make informed adjustments to your practice regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important short game shot?

Chipping is often considered the most important short game shot as it frequently comes into play and can significantly reduce putting distances.

How often should I practice my short game?

It's recommended to practice your short game at least twice a week, focusing on chipping, pitching, and bunker shots to see improvements.

What drills can improve my bunker shots?

Try the Line Drill to improve sand contact and the Explosion Drill to build confidence in getting out of the bunker effectively.

How can I improve my pitching distance control?

Use the Distance Control Drill by placing targets at various distances and practicing hitting pitches to each target, focusing on swing length.

Why is tracking progress important in golf practice?

Tracking progress helps identify areas of improvement, keeps you motivated, and allows you to adjust your practice routine for better results.

Join Flighting to track your rounds and unlock rewards.