draw or hook

[slater170]

after some recent troubles im trying to straighten out my shot shape

if i aim for the centre of a green i end up missing it left not by much, more often than not ending up on the fringe, i would say the ball starts right of my target and move 5-8 yds right to left

im double checking my set up which seems okay so is my set up sound or should i be aiming more to the right of my target?

[rotator]

Re: draw or hook

Regarding "aiming", I'm sure you do the same as I do for set-up of the draw shot. I aim the clubface at the point I want the ball to finish. The amount of draw is set by the degree of closed stance I take, taking into account the length of the shot concerned. As you also do, I'm sure, I then make a normal swing along the stance line.

Ted

[BrianW]

Re: draw or hook

Hi Slats.

I tend to hit a natural draw with my irons also. If I want to straighten it out I focus contact on the very back of the ball and keep the clubface moving a little more down the line after impact. Like wise if I want to hit a fade or slice I look to hitting the outside quadrant while cutting the ball a little out to in.

[golfshooter]

Re: draw or hook

Hi Ted, When you say you very the degree of draw and I assume fade how does this work exactly? Do you open or close the stance for your draw? I am really asking because I still have that unintentional fade. I figure if I know how to induce these shots I may be able to control it.
Regards Peter

[rotator]

Re: draw or hook

Hi Peter,

Working the ball is quite an interesting exercise to work on. It's fun and when you pull it off in a round the first time, it's exciting. I work on it at every practice session.

The simple way to do it is to pre-set the conditions which cause the draw or fade, before you make the swing.

For a draw, close your stance, so your body (your feet, knees, hips, body and shoulder) line points to the right of the target. Aim the clubface at the target (the place you want to ball to end up). Make your normal swing along your body line. The ball will start on the path of the swing, but because the clubface is pointing at the target, there will be a counterclockwise spin imparted on the ball, and the ball will draw to the target. You will note this essentially produces an inside to outside swing path which is touted to eliminate slices. If you want a huge hook, you could close the stance even more, and as well rotate the wrists over through impact, which will impart even more spin. (like a topspin lob in tennis).

Here is a video of Rocco Mediate, who plays the draw. Note how he takes his right foot to the back, as he sets up. He then swings along his body line.

For a fade, it's the reverse, as the stance is opened. The clubface is still aimed at the finish point. The analogy in tennis would be a cut slice shot. You can also hold the club tighter in your left hand as you go through impact, and this will hold the face more open and not likely to turn over, also contributing to the clockwise spin (which you may recognize from when you slice).

There are other ways. Players have their ways and variations. Tiger talks about standing closer to the ball and standing more upright to hit fades.

Have fun,

Ted

[BrianW]

Re: draw or hook

If you think of a large beach ball that you wanted to hit it forward with the palm of your hand what would you need to do to draw fade or hit it straight?

To hit straight you would hit the ball with your hand keeping square in the back. To get the ball to make a draw shape you would hit the ball from the inside out while rotating your hand around the ball in a counter clockwise direction, this would close the angle of your palm and generate clockwise spin. To fade it you would hit the ball from the outside in while rotating your hand clockwise around the ball which would open your palm and create counter clockwise spin. For a hook or slice shape you would do the same but more pronounced.

Now consider the clubface and it making the same action as your hand did with the beach ball.

[golfshooter]

Re: draw or hook

Thanks guys you both paint a clear picture that makes sense. It is time I learned to shape shots. I'm off to have some fun.
Regards,Peter