How to Hit a Fade or Draw
Hitting a draw or fade is a skill that every golfer must have if they want to shoot lower scores. Knowing how to shape the ball left and right is essential in order to navigate the hazards and angles of any golf course. Depending on the situation, a golfer may need to hit a fade or draw to get the ball closer to the hole. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of hitting a fade or draw, as well as provide some tips for how to practice this skill.
What is a Fade or Draw?
A fade is a shot that is hit with a right-to-left curve for right-handed golfers, or a left-to-right curve for left-handed golfers. A draw is the opposite and is hit with a left-to-right curve for right-handed golfers, or a right-to-left curve for left-handed golfers. Both shots are used to help golfers get the ball closer to the target.
How to Hit a Fade
To hit a fade, the golfer needs to set up with an open stance, meaning the feet are angled away from the target line. Additionally, the ball should be placed slightly forward in the stance, with the hands slightly ahead of the ball. This will help promote a descending blow and ensures the clubface will remain open through impact. The golfer should also maintain good posture throughout the swing and keep their arms and body rotating in sync to maintain control.
At the top of the backswing, the golfer should make sure that their shoulders and hips are open to the target. This will create a wide arc and a shallow approach to the ball. During the downswing, the arms should be relaxed and the hands should be slightly ahead of the clubhead. This will ensure that the clubface will remain open and the club will release properly during impact.
How to Hit a Draw
To hit a draw, the golfer needs to set up with a closed stance, meaning the feet are angled towards the target line. Additionally, the ball should be placed slightly back in the stance, with the hands slightly behind the ball. This will help promote a descending blow and ensures the clubface will remain closed through impact. The golfer should also maintain good posture throughout the swing and keep their arms and body rotating in sync to maintain control.
At the top of the backswing, the golfer should make sure that their shoulders and hips are closed to the target. This will create a narrow arc and a steep approach to the ball. During the downswing, the arms should be relaxed and the hands should be slightly behind the clubhead. This will ensure that the clubface will remain closed and the club will release properly during impact.
Tips for Practice
Hitting a fade or draw can be difficult, but with the right practice, it can be mastered. Here are some tips for practice:
- Practice in front of a mirror to ensure that you are setting up correctly and that your body is rotating in sync.
- Start with half swings to get a feel for the proper technique.
- Focus on making a smooth transition from backswing to downswing.
- Take your time before each swing to visualize the shot.
- Use alignment sticks to help you set up properly.
- Hit a few practice shots before each round to groove your swing.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you will be able to hit a fade or draw with ease. With this newfound skill, you will be able to navigate the hazards and angles of any golf course with confidence.

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