How to hit a fade shot
Into the Rough > Golf TipsPublished 12/08/2008 22:56:25
A fade shot is when the ball is struck left of the traget, but travels right during flight. The most likely use for a fade shot is when there is an obstacle, like a large tree, between you and the target.
The fade is an advanced, controlled shot - unlike the slice, a poor hit that also moves the ball from left to right during flight. It applies sidespin to the ball by coming in right to left of a normal swing arc.
Tips for a golf fade
- Grip and posture should be as normal
- Align slightly left of the target.
- Keep your clubface square.
- Slightly open your hips and shoulders by turning them left.
- Swing normally - it should naturally follow an out-to-in path: the clubhead travels from right to left across the standard swing path.
Normal Set-Up
In a normal set-up, your feet, hips and shoulders are parallel to the imaginary ball-to-target line. During normal takeaway and backswing, the club travels on a straight path inside and parallel to the ball-to-target line. Throughout the swing, the club remains inside this line.
Fade Set-Up
Move your left foot about 6 inches away from square. This aligns you left of target. Keep the clubface square to the ball-to-target line, even if this imaginary line passes through the obstacle. Although you swing normally, adjustments at address produces an out-to-in swing path, which gives sidespin.