How to Shape Your Shots

By September 20, 2019Tips & Tutorials

For the average golfer, the art of shaping a golf ball is for some, nothing more than a dream.

Having seen professionals and low single figure players moving the ball from right to left, or left to right at will all golfers wish to be able to the same.

All this said, to be honest I try to avoid teaching the majority of my clients how to shape the ball, because they will get better results playing with their natural shape and allowing for the shape they hit with regularity.

Regardless of whether that is a draw or a fade, even the top players in the world rely on their stock shape for the vast majority of their shots, only moving the ball against their natural shape to swing the ball around an obstacle, to shape the ball around the corner of a dog-leg or to find a pin tucked away behind a bunker

Playing to your strengths and avoiding the unnecessary need to shape a ball is the thought process and pattern that amateur golfers should have.

Having said all this, it is useful to know how to make a golf ball move.

So how can you make a golf ball move from one side of the fairway to the other.

To play a fade (for those that don’t have the natural shape)

Set your body open to your target line. (Feet, hips and shoulders should all be parallel)

You must keep your clubface pointing to your target (so it will appear open, as you are set up).

The third aspect of making the ball swing to the right (for right handed golfers) is the swig path. This should follow the line of your body, as it would usually do.

The open stance and clubface will create the desired spin on the ball.

For shots that require a more violent swerve in the air, open the clubface slightly more and if you can your body position as well.

Remember that this should never be attempted for the first time on the golf course, you must practice this method before employing it.

To get the ball moving in the opposite direction so right to left (for right handed golfers), set up in the opposite way. Body lines all closed to the target line, and the clubface set square.

Imparting draw spin on the ball is a little easier than trying to fade it, as you can naturally increase the rotation of the hands to create a more severe swerve.

It is also worth remembering that for the average golfer, the fade is a more controlled shot that will benefit your game more, as the ball will land more softly o the green. Great for golfers that struggle to stop the ball.