Golf is a game of precision and finesse, and mastering shot-shaping techniques can significantly enhance your performance on the course. The draw and fade are two of the most crucial shots in your arsenal. These shots add to the versatility of your game and also help you to navigate course layouts and conditions elegantly. In this article, we’ll explore what draw and fade shots are and offer step-by-step instructions on how to hit a draw or fade golf shot to unlock new dimensions of your gameplay.
Understanding the basics
Before you learn how to hit a draw or fade, it’s important to understand what each of these shots looks like and when and why you might want to use it.
The draw shot
A draw shot curves from right to left for right-handed golfers or left to right for left-handed golfers. The ball starts on its intended target line and curves gently back towards the centre. A draw imparts spin on the ball, which causes it to curve in the desired direction.
A draw is ideal when you need to navigate obstacles on the course, such as trees or doglegs, by bending the ball around them. It also provides extra distance to the added roll of the ball.
The fade shot
A fade shot curves from left to right for right-handed golfers or right to left for left-handed golfers. The ball starts on the target line but curves away from it due to the left-to-right spin imparted on the ball.
A fade is useful when you want to control the ball’s landing and minimise ball roll. It’s valuable on tight fairways or when the pin is tucked close to a hazard.
How to master shot-shaping techniques
Mastering shot-shaping techniques involves a combination of practice and theory. Once you know how to perform a draw or a fade, you can take this theory to the course and put your new knowledge into practice.
How to hit a draw
Adjust your grip
You’ll use a slightly stronger grip for a draw, where the V formed by the thumb and the forefinger of your lead hand points more towards your rear shoulder. This grip promotes a more closed clubface at impact, facilitating the left-to-right spin.
Correct your stance
Align your body and clubface to the right of your target (if you’re right-handed). This open stance sets up the initial path for the draw.
Perfect your backswing
During the backswing, maintain a smooth and controlled rotation of your hips and shoulders. Avoid excessive wrist cocking or over-rotation, as this can affect the desired swing path.
Initiate the downswing
Shift your weight onto your front foot while maintaining a slightly closed clubface, and focus on an inside-out swing path to promote left-to-right spin. Achieve a square clubface at impact to ensure accurate ball flight.
Follow through
Allow your hands and clubhead to release naturally through the impact zone. The hands should rotate slightly over your front shoulder to complete the draw shot.
How to hit a fade
Adjust your grip
For a fade shot, you’ll adopt a slightly weaker grip where the V of your lead hand points more towards your chin. This grip helps maintain a more open clubface at impact, promoting left-to-right spin.
Correct your stance
Align your body and clubface slightly to the left of the target (for right-handed golfers). This closed stance sets up the initial path for the fade.
Perfect your backswing
Maintain a controlled backswing with attention to maintaining wrist angle and shoulder rotation.
Initiate the downswing
Begin the downswing by shifting your weight onto your front foot while keeping a slightly open clubface. Focus on an outside-in swing path, encouraging the left-to-right spin. Achieve a square clubface at impact for accuracy.
Follow through
Allow your hands to release naturally but slightly under your front shoulder. This release helps impart the necessary side spin for the fade.
Golf laser rangefinder
Mastering how to hit a draw or fade shot in golf opens up a world of possibilities on the course. Practising these shot shapes can allow you to navigate the challenges of tricky courses and showcase your skill and understanding of the game.
You can also improve your control of the ball by focusing on other technical aspects of your game – like your golf grip strength.
You can also invest in accessories that help you perfect your technical performance, such as the Golf-grip™, a game-changing accessory that you can attach to your own set of golf clubs to correct your hand position and improve your swing.
If you would like to learn more about the Golf-grip™, get in touch with our team today.
