Shaping shots

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By RRomanowicz

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  • 7 Replies
  1. RRomanowicz

    RRomanowicz
    New Bedford, Massachusetts

    I have been trying to shape the ball a little more lately, no problem hitting the ball left to right but have trouble hitting right to left. The only way i can work it right to left is forcing a flatter swing path which is pretty inconsistent..Any suggestions on what i can do to improve on right to left would be appreciated, thanks

  2. Carl T

    Carl T
    Little Rock, AR

    The easiest way is to take a closed stance, (if you are right handed, move your left foot back an inch or two) which will have your toes on both feet lined up right of your target line. Keep your club face square to the target line at address and swing your club at the ball in line with your toes which will have you hitting out to right field. The ball will start right on your swing path but will curve to the left due to the spin you have created with this set up. You will have to practice this to see how much draw you want to create by adjusting your club face and how much right of your target line you want your ball to start.
  3. DV

    DV

    RR,

    You will amazed how easy it is to hit a ball R to L. Assuming you are a right-handed golfer, imaging a line between the ball and your target. Call this the 12 o'clock position when viewed from above looking down. Carefully align the clubface directly at the target. Now, here is the key, align your body line out toward the 1 o'clock position while keeping the face still pointing at 12 o'clock. Now all you have to do is swing out toward the 1 o'clock position where your body is aligned. It will feel like you are swinging to a target that is to the right of where your club is pointing. If you do this properly and do not come over the top with your swing then you will impart counterclockwise spin that will draw the ball back to the target. It might take a few swings to get the hang of this feeling but try this and you will be hitting draws like a pro.

    Best Wishes,

    DV
  4. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    DV said:

    RR,

    You will amazed how easy it is to hit a ball R to L. Assuming you are a right-handed golfer, imaging a line between the ball and your target. Call this the 12 o'clock position when viewed from above looking down. Carefully align the clubface directly at the target. Now, here is the key, align your body line out toward the 1 o'clock position while keeping the face still pointing at 12 o'clock. Now all you have to do is swing out toward the 1 o'clock position where your body is aligned. It will feel like you are swinging to a target that is to the right of where your club is pointing. If you do this properly and do not come over the top with your swing then you will impart counterclockwise spin that will draw the ball back to the target. It might take a few swings to get the hang of this feeling but try this and you will be hitting draws like a pro.

    Best Wishes,

    DV

    Hi RR ... I would just add a wee bit more information to what Carl and DV have given you.

    Namely, in order to hit a draw shot (which is the Right to Left movement of the ball for a right-handed golfer), you MUST be able to reliably swing the club on an "inside to out" swing path through impact.

    That is what DV is referring to by swinging along the "1 O'clock" line with the club aimed at the 12 O'clock line.

    This is absolutely critical ... as it may involve re-routing the club/hands on the downswing from your usual downswing, particularly if your normal shot is a "left to right" fade or slice. You may wish to have your local club pro give you a 30 minute lesson to watch for the proper set up, etc.

    If your normal or usual swing path is "Outside to In" then you may have some frustration in learning the DRAW shot ... as the swing path may feel very "alien" or so different from your usual swing path. That's why I suggest the 30 minute lesson with your local pro.

    Regardless, best wishes with learning and practicing the shot! Once you get it down pat enough, you will enjoy being able to shape your shot when needed -- whether it is off the tee on a dog-leg left hole or to a pin that is tucked to the left half of the green!
  5. RRomanowicz

    RRomanowicz
    New Bedford, Massachusetts

    Thanks for the help guys, going to hit some balls and practice it this weekend
  6. Dwayne N

    Dwayne N
    Island, KY

    All very good and straight forward info that will definitely work
  7. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I recommend going to see your pro and with a few swings he can help you. That is what I do when I need help. I do not go on line for professional help on swing assistance. A pro will look at your swing and make the appropriate alignment changes as needed. With respect. Good luck.

    Dino's advice for a 30 minute lesson was the best advice. You get immediate objective feedback.
  8. Travis W

    Travis W
    Jacksonville, FL

    All good comments here. The club face needs to be closed relative to the swing path. According to the "ball flight laws", the ball always starts in the direction of the clubbed swing PATH. Spin then takes over and the ball moves in the direction the clubFACE was pointing. If you have an outside-in swing to easily hit left to right, the above mentioned setups will result in more of a straight shot toward the hole. If so, keep trying to swing more inside-out until you have reached the shape of your desired shot. Same goes for the end of the ball flight, if you need more curve to the left, close the face a little more, etc..
    Best of luck.

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