For amateurs looking to improve their short-game, the most important shot to learn is the basic 15 yard pitch. While most short-game instruction stresses the importance of the low running chip shot, a stock pitch shot is a better option to actually build short-game technique around. The reason for this is that once one has learned the stock pitching motion, it can be easily adapted to hit the ball higher or lower, with simple changes to ball position and set-up.
Some Pitching Keys:
Feet close together
Ball in middle of toes
Torso level to ground (no leaning back)
Weight 60-40 toward lead foot
Allow the upper body to power the motion
Allow the club to land on the ground, even slightly behind ball is okay
Good luck!