Sports
Want to hit draws *and* fades? It starts with changing your setup
Being able to shape the ball both directions is a huge asset. It allows you to access pin locations that were previously unaccessible, and lets you shape the ball off the tee to avoid hazards. You can also get yourself out of trouble with ease, shaping the ball around trees and back into the fairway.
The trouble for most recreational golfers is that they can only work the ball one way. They have a go-to shot shape and not much else.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with having a shot shape you’re comfortable with and sticking to it. But if you really want to start becoming a shot-maker, you’ll need to know how to shape the ball both ways.
Luckily, doing so is a lot easier than you likely thought. GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Malizia explained how in a past shoot with GOLF Magazine, which you can read about below.
How to hit draws and fades
The good news about shaping the ball is that it can be easily achieved through slight adjustments in your setup. And once you learn how to make those adjustments, you’ll be able to hit both draws and fades.
Here’s how it works.
Draws
The first thing you want to do to hit a draw is move the ball position slightly back in your stance. Next, you want to slightly tilt your hips and shoulders away from the target.
“The key is, when I get back to impact, I wanna make sure that my shoulders feel closed and I want to feel this right side ‘shrinking,’” Malizia says. “This helps promote a more in-to-out path.”
With that in-to-out path and a slightly closed clubface, you’ll be able to curve the ball right to left with ease.
Fades
For a fade, you’ll want to move the ball more forward in your stance. You’ll also want to limit the amount you tilt your hips and shoulders away from the target at address, giving you a more level setup position.
“At impact, you will see less right-side bend and you’ll see more of the chest opened up,” Malizia says. “This will help you swing a little more out-to-in.”
By making these key setup adjustments, it becomes much easier to swing in a way that promotes a certain ball flight. So, next time you want to shape the ball a certain way, remember that it all starts with the setup.
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