A great rule of thumb would be- the closer you are to the green and the more green you have to work with between you and the hole- chip and run it with less loft. Too many shots are wasted near the greens from the amateur golfer trying to hit their sand iron or wedge from completely unnecessary instances. Here's why.....
There are numerous illusions in golf that us as golfers need to know and understand so they don't interfere with the way we intend to play the shot. Hopefully this video will add some insight into how ball position can look different based on the aim.
Using the bounce of your wedges as you get closer to the green is a major goal to a better short game. Did you know to use the bounce effectively your feet DON'T have to aim to the left. Try a closed stance as this video explains.
Short game shots require practice and imagination. The best way to practice is to allow your practice to be indiscriminate. Watch this video to learn how to play all situations that arise close to the green.
Controlling your trajectory on the short game shots is huge to being able to either stop the ball quickly or make the ball run up to the hole. Here is another way to hit lower and higher pitch and chip shots to help you lower your scores.
Pitch shots require a good setup in the right position and a stable body so that position doesn't move very much during the swing. Bad pitching is from too much motion. Learn to be stable in the lower half so the control comes from upstairs.