Chip
A short, lofted, gently struck shot that lifts the ball up and over a shorter distance rather than driving it hard.
Definition
A chip lifts the ball with a soft, controlled stroke and minimal power. In golf it is a short shot played near the green that carries briefly then rolls to the hole; in football it is a delicate lofted kick — struck by stabbing under the ball — used to lift it over an advancing goalkeeper or a defensive line; in tennis it is a short underspin block that floats the ball low over the net, often on an approach or return.
What unites the variants is finesse over force: a shortened backswing or a stabbing contact under the ball, a controlled follow-through, and touch to judge distance. The backspin or gentle arc helps the ball sit or drop quickly. It contrasts with driven, full-power shots and, in tennis, with topspin strokes.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Golf
- A short shot near the green that carries briefly through the air then rolls toward the hole, played with a lofted club and a compact, putting-like swing.
- Football
- A delicate lofted kick that lifts the ball over the goalkeeper or defenders.
- Tennis
- A short underspin shot that floats low over the net, often on approach or return.
Where you’ll hear “chip”
Sports that use this term:
Golf
A precision target sport played across an outdoor course, blending skill, strategy and a long walk in the open air.
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Chip to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Techniques
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- One-Handed BackhandA backhand groundstroke struck with a single hand on the grip, driving through the ball with a full extension of the hitting arm.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Decision making
- When to keep possessionJudging when to hold and recycle the ball rather than force a forward option — choosing patience and control over immediate progress.
- Positioning choicesDeciding where to place yourself — often before the ball arrives — to cover space, stay ready to act and shape what an opponent can do.
- Transition decisionsThe choices made at the moment a situation flips — winning or losing the ball, and switching between attack and defence.
- Shot selectionChoosing which shot to play from the options available — weighing the situation, the risk and what you are trying to achieve.
- Adapting to conditionsAdjusting your decisions as the conditions around you change — weather, surface, equipment, fatigue or an opponent's style.
Skills
- SprintingThe skill of running or riding at maximum controlled speed over a short distance.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
Rules
- Ball-handling faultsVolleyball faults for catching, carrying or double-contacting the ball rather than cleanly hitting it.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
Sports communication
- Signalling availabilityShowing a teammate you are open and ready to receive — often through movement, body position or a gesture rather than a shout.
- Calling for the ballLetting a teammate know you are open and want the pass — usually a short, clear call made at the right moment.
- Defensive communicationTalking and signalling on defence — organising who marks whom, calling switches and warning teammates — to stay coordinated without the ball.
Facilities
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
- Basketball courtA rectangular hard-surfaced court with a raised hoop and backboard at each end where basketball is played.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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