I think the main difference is with flipping the reel spool doesn't turn. I peel off line and flip the bait as far as it will go with reel locked. Another difference is in rod length, a longer one giving you more reach. Pitching is best done with shorter rod no longer than you are tall, best a little shorter. The reason is pitching is an underhanded rolling cast that starts off with enough line peeled off to hold the bait out behind me, let it swing down, then out with a rolling snap and a low bait trajectory. A short rod allows the bait to swing clearing the deck without hitting the deck with rod tip. I've never been able to watch myself do it, but I think I hold the rod tip directly off to my side while holding the bait behind. I drop the bait and follow it down in an arc with the rod tip, then snap the rod so it ends up pointing toward the target. I'll pay more attention tomorrow and post any corrections. Flipping might get a bait 17 feet out while pitching will get you around 25-30 feet accurately. Both techniques are designed to avoid heavy splash down bait entries in close quarters.

Jim