Do you want to hit draw and fade? Start by changing this 1 thing

Welcome to Play Smart, GOLF.com's regular game improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.

Being able to shape the ball on both sides is a very important skill. If you can use the ball both ways, it helps to attack holes from all kinds of angles.

But working the ball on both sides is not easy. Everyone has their best shot shape, so hitting the ball in the opposite direction can be a difficult skill to learn (especially a master). If you want to become an elite soccer player, however, it's important to understand how to shape the ball both ways.

Shot shapes are affected by two key factors: club path and face angle. Learning how to use these two things correctly is essential if you want to hit draws and fades on command. And according to GOLF Top 100 teacher Sarah Stone, all you have to do is change one simple thing in your setup.

How to shape the ball on both sides

If you want to hit a draw, you need an exit path and a slightly closed face angle. Although if you want to hit the fade, you need a way out and a slightly open face. The easiest way to use these two features is to change your ball position in the setup.

“One of the misconceptions is that every driver should be played with the front foot,” Stone said. “That usually doesn't create the shooting environment that people want.”

Instead of always placing the ball on your inside foot and driver, place the ball based on the type of shot you want to hit.

Draw

To hit a draw, you want to play the ball more in the center of your center. This area of ​​the ball will improve the out-and-out, allowing you to hit the inside of the ball. Then all you need to do is make sure your clubface is slightly closed at impact.

“That will give you a chance to get that golf club from the inside,” Stone said. “This gives you an opportunity to flex the clubface and work from right to left.”

Fade

To get the fade, you'll want to play the ball forward with your stance. With this ball position, your shoulders will be more open and you will swing more outward. Then if you keep the face open with just a touch, the ball should work in a left to right direction.

“Wherever you feel like your shoulders are going to be is where the club's path is going to go,” Stone said. “And that will create the beginning of the golf ball.”

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the GOLF team, he attended the University of Texas followed by stints with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists in all instruction and covers youth and women's golf. He can be reached at [email protected].