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.
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Skills
Techniques
- Chip ShotA compact lofted shot from close to the green that carries a short distance and then rolls to the hole.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bunker ShotThe greenside sand shot where the club enters the sand behind the ball and lifts it out on a cushion of sand.
- 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.
Equipment
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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