A common rule of thumb when around the green usually dictates getting the
ball rolling as soon as possible, creating a low risk approach shot. This thinking is fine
for middle to high handicappers, but not in all cases would I give this advice to the better player.
I was confronted with a good example just the other day - I'm just off the green with
an uphill lie, the pin is on the second tier of a two-tier green. The slope to the second
tier was very steep, making it very difficult to determine how hard to hit a chip shot.
Experimenting, I tried the chip shot approach three times. Twice the ball started up
the slope but, lacking enough speed, came back to the base of the hill. I then
simply lofted the shot to the second tier, and it landed softly and stopped within a
few feet of the initial landing area.
Your imagination can often prove to be your greatest ally!
Remember: As with any short game shot, it is most important to rehearse any new approach
Work with it for a while - I promise you positive results. 
