Pitching cards in blackjack is a manual dealing method where the dealer distributes individual cards from a single deck, resulting in a more personal interaction with players. In contrast, dealing from a shoe uses a machine that holds multiple decks, allowing for faster dealing and a quicker game pace, which is typical in larger casinos. The key difference between the two methods lies in the number of decks and the way cards are distributed, affecting the overall game dynamics and player experience.