How to "work" the ball from right to left (draw), or left to right(fade).
Intentionally drawing or fading the ball is an advanced technique that involves spinning the ball from left-to-right or right-to-left. When your golf swing is consistent enough to produce solid and accurate shots, you are then ready to experiment with fading and drawing the golf ball. The most simplified and effective way to "work" the ball is to adjust your setup position and use your normal grip and normal swing. The angles you create in the address position with your body line and the clubface will predetermine your ability to put spin on the ball.
Figure 1 (below) shows the proper setup to hit a normal straight shot. Notice the stance, hips, shoulders, and clubface are square to the target line. Now, use your normal grip, make your normal swing back and through on your body line.
Figure 2 (below) shows the proper setup to fade the ball. Notice the clubface is aimed down the target line where you want the ball to finish. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aligned "open" or to the left of the target. Now make your normal swing back and through on your body line. The amount of desired fade is determined by how much you open your feet, hips, and shoulders to the left of your target. Do not alter your grip and do not swing "out to in".
Figure 3 (below) shows the proper setup to draw the ball. Notice the clubface is aimed down the target line where you want the ball to finish. Your feet , hips, and shoulders should be aligned "closed" or to the right of the target. Now make your normal swing back and through on your body line. The amount of desired draw is determined by how much you close your feet, hips, and shoulders to the right of your target. Again, do not alter your grip and do not swing "in to out".
Although this technique to fade or draw the golf ball is the most efficient and simplified, there are other more difficult ways to "work the ball". Check with any one of our instructors at the Del Mar Golf Center to see how these ideas can apply to your golf game.
