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Managing the trajectory of your golf shots can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the game, enabling you to work with or against the wind as needed.
Perfectly straight shots are nearly impossible to achieve. Some degree of curvature is inevitable, even if the ball lands in line with the tee position.
To effectively shape your shots, a neutral swing path is essential.
A fade, a controlled variation of the dreaded slice, doesn’t sacrifice distance and power like a slice does. By making slight adjustments to your swing and alignment, you can transform a slice into a controlled fade.
A fade begins toward your weaker side (the left edge of the fairway for right-handed golfers) before gradually returning toward the fairway, curving less to the right than a slice.
Unlike a slice, a fade typically curves between 3 to 10 yards, offering a more manageable trajectory.
How Do I Hit a Fade?
Advancements in launch monitor technology have provided more detailed insights into swing mechanics and ball trajectory, reshaping our understanding of ball flight dynamics.
Previously, it was believed that swing path primarily dictated shot trajectory. However, current data suggests that the clubface orientation determines the initial direction of 75% to 95% of shots, with the swing path influencing curvature rather than the initial direction.
The key to executing a fade lies in having a slightly open clubface at impact.
While an open clubface can contribute to slicing, the degree of openness for a fade is more subtle.
A useful guideline is to position the clubhead close to the target line but open to the body line.
Read On: How to Hit Irons
Ball Position
The clubhead follows an arc around your body during the swing, transitioning from an inside-out to an outside-in path through impact.
By advancing the ball slightly in your stance, you increase the likelihood of an outside-in swing path at impact, allowing time for the face to open relative to the path.
Placing the ball farther back in your stance encourages earlier impact, resulting in a straight shot or draw.
Also Read This: How To Drive A Golf Ball Further
Tee Height
When using a driver, tee the ball at the appropriate height to ensure contact during the upward phase of the swing, facilitating a high, straight drive or draw.
Using a lower tee position can help achieve a fade when hitting off the deck.
To hit a fade, tee the ball low, ensuring it sits level with or slightly below the driver’s head.
A lower tee height brings starting lines closer and promotes slightly earlier impact.
Alignment
To execute a fade, open your stance by aiming your feet, hips, and shoulders toward the side you intend to hit the ball, left for right-handed golfers.
At address, the clubface should be open, with the degree of openness determining the amount of fade.
Swing
No significant alterations are needed to your standard swing. Trust the mechanics of your swing without forcing an outside-in path.
Maintain your usual tempo and rhythm, as altering these can disrupt your swing.
At the top of your swing, you should feel poised and in control.
Focus on initiating the downswing with your body rather than your hands to prevent an over-the-top motion that could result in a slice.
Engage your leg, hip, and upper body muscles to create a compact, connected swing without excessive hand movement.
Check This Article: Which Golfer Has Won The Most Major Championships?
Can You Still Achieve Distance with a Fade?
Every skilled golfer should master shot shaping to enhance their game.
But can a fade match the distance of a draw? In theory, with consistent launch angle, ball speed, and spin rate, a fade could carry the same distance as a draw, though research suggests draws usually outdistance fades in practice.
You may experience a slight distance loss (5-10 yards) with a fade.
A draw imparts topspin, leading to more roll, while a fade generates backspin, resulting in a higher trajectory and softer landing with less rollout.
Please watch this YouTube video for more information on how to hit a power fade.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, many golfers aim for a draw as their default shot shape, but professionals increasingly favor a power fade for greater control in windy conditions and less rollout.
To elevate your game, practice shaping your shots to suit varying circumstances, and determine which shot shape best fits your swing and provides optimal control.
Experiment with different setups and clubface angles to gauge the resulting fade.
