5 Steps to Fading a Golf Ball Like a Pro

Are you seeking to enhance your golf skills and improve your performance on the course? One of the most effective shots to have in your arsenal is the fade – a controlled shot that curves to the right (for right-handed golfers). 

This shot can be beneficial when navigating obstacles or hitting the ball onto the green. But how to fade a golf ball?  The answer is:

To fade a golf ball, align your clubface to your target and open your stance slightly. Try swinging your feet in a straight line while keeping the clubface aligned with your target.

The ball should start left of your target before fading back toward it. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to fade a golf ball like a pro. Whether a beginner or a seasoned golfer, you will pick up some valuable tips. So grab your clubs, and let’s get started!

What Is A Fade Shot In Golf?

A fade shot in golf is a controlled shot that curves slightly to the right for right-handed golfers and the left for left-handed golfers. 

It is a shot that the golfer intentionally creates to achieve a specific ball flight path. A fade shot is an essential shot that every golfer should know how to hit, as it allows the golfer to work the ball around obstacles and hit more accurate approach shots to the green.

Why Is It Important To Have A Fade Shot In Your Game? 

A fade shot in your golf game is essential for a few reasons. 

• Firstly, you can use a fade shot to work the ball around obstacles, such as trees or bunkers, that might impede your shot. 

• Secondly, a fade shot can be used to control the spin and trajectory of the ball, allowing you to hit more accurate approach shots to the green. 

• Finally, having a fade shot in your arsenal gives you more shot options and versatility on the course, which can ultimately improve your overall game and lower your score.

What Are The Benefits Of A Fade Shot?

There are several benefits to hitting a fade shot in golf:

1. Accuracy: A well-executed fade shot can be more accurate than a straight or a draw shot. By curving the ball slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers), you can avoid hazards and hit more accurate approach shots to the green.

2. Control: The fade shot gives you greater control over your ball flight. You can adjust the amount of fade by changing your stance, ball position, or swing path, allowing you to hit various shots with different trajectories and spins.

3. Versatility: Having a fade shot in your repertoire gives you more options on the course. You’ll be able to work the ball around obstacles, hit more accurate approach shots, and adjust to different course conditions, such as wind or slope.

4. Strategic advantage: A fade shot can give you a strategic advantage over your opponents. If they don’t have a fade shot in their game, they may struggle to hit certain shots or escape certain situations as quickly as possible.

5. Professional golfers use it: Many of the best golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy, use a fade shot in their game. You can emulate their success and improve your game by learning and mastering this shot.

5 Steps to Fading a Golf Ball 

Fading a golf ball is a technique golfers use to hit a fantastic shot that curves gently from left to right for a right-handed golfer. This shot is helpful when you want to avoid an obstacle or when there is a dogleg to the right on the hole.

Here are the steps to fade a golf ball:

Step 1: Aim slightly left of your target

To fade the ball, aim left of your mark for a right-handed golfer. The amount you desire left will depend on how much you want the ball to curve to the right.

Step 2: Open your stance

Your stance should be open to your target line. This means you should align your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly with your target.

Step 3: Align your Clubface

Align the clubface with your body, which is aimed left of the target. This will ensure that the clubface is open to your target line.

Step 4: Swing along your body line

Swing the club along your body line, which is aimed left of the target. Make sure that your swing path is slightly outside to in.

Step 5: Follow through

After you hit the ball, follow through with your swing, and allow the clubface to stay open to the target line. This will encourage the ball to curve gently to the right.

Remember, fading a golf ball requires practice and patience. With time and repetition, you can control your fade and hit more accurate shots on the golf course.

How To Position For A Fade Shot?

The setup is crucial to hitting a successful fade shot in golf. Here are few major things to keep in mind:

• Foot position: To hit a fade shot, your feet should be slightly open to the target line. 

For right-handed golfers, the left foot should be closer to the target line than the right foot (for left-handed golfers, the opposite is true). 

This stance will encourage a slightly outside-in swing path, which is necessary to create the fade.

• Ball position: The ball position for a fade shot should be slightly forward or center in your stance. 

This will help you create the proper swing path and strike the ball with a slightly open clubface, which is necessary for the fade shot.

• Grip: When gripping the club for a fade shot, you should use a slightly weaker grip than you would for a straight shot. 

This means you should turn your left hand (for right-handed golfers) to the left on the hold and position your right hand more on top of the grip. 

This grip will encourage the clubface to be slightly open at impact, which is necessary for the fade shot.

Remember, practice and experimentation are the key to hitting a successful fade shot. Take some time to experiment with different setups, ball positions, and grips to find what works best for you. And always remember to stay relaxed, trust your swing, and commit to the shot.

What Is The Proper Swing Path For A Fade Shot? 

The proper swing path for a fade shot is slightly outside-in, with the clubhead moving to the left of your target line (for right-handed golfers). 

This means that your clubhead should approach the ball from outside your target line and then swing to the left after contact, creating the necessary spin for the ball to curve from left to right. 

Maintaining a consistent swing path throughout your swing is essential to achieve the desired ball flight. Remember that the swing path should be moderate, which can lead to consistency and mishits. 

Instead, make a smooth, controlled swing with a slightly outside-in course to produce a consistent and accurate fade shot. Practice with different club selections, ball positions, and swing speeds to find what works best for you.

How To Approach The Ball For A Fade Shot?

Approaching the ball for a fade shot requires a specific setup to achieve the desired ball flight. 

First, position your feet slightly open to the target line, with your lead foot (left foot for right-handed golfers) pulled back slightly to encourage the club head to move to the left at 

impact. 

You should position the ball slightly forward or center in your stance, which helps create the proper angle of attack and encourages the clubface to be slightly open at impact. 

You may also want to adjust your grip slightly to achieve the desired ball flight, such as using a slightly weaker grip (hands turned somewhat to the left for right-handed golfers). 

This helps keep the clubface slightly open at impact and encourages the ball to spin from left to right. 

Remember that your approach may vary depending on the club you are using, so experiment with different setups to find what works best for you.

What Is The Proper Wrist Position For A Fade Shot?

The proper wrist position for a fade shot is essential to achieve the desired ball flight. To hit a fade, your wrists should be slightly bowed at impact, with your lead wrist (left wrist for right-handed golfers) bent somewhat towards the target. 

This helps keep the clubface slightly open at effect, which promotes the left-to-right spin necessary for a fade shot. 

However, doing what is needed is essential, as excessive wrist movement can lead to inconsistent ball flight and mishits. 

Maintain a smooth, controlled swing and focus on keeping your wrists in the correct position at impact. 

Practice with different grip pressures and wrist positions to find what works best for you, and remember that the proper wrist position can vary depending on the club and shot you are trying to hit.

How To Hit A Fade With A Irons Or Driver?

Hitting a fade shot with a driver or iron is a bit different than hitting a straight shot or a draw. Here are some tips for hitting a fade shot with your driver or irons:

Step 1: Adjust your setup

As mentioned earlier, the setup is key to hitting a successful fade shot. Make sure you’re positioning your feet slightly open to the target line, with the ball slightly forward or center in your stance. This will help you create the proper swing path and strike the ball with a slightly open clubface.

Step 2:Swing path

To hit a fade shot, you need to swing slightly outside-in, with the clubhead moving to the left of your target line (for right-handed golfers). This will encourage the ball to spin from left to right, creating a fade.

Step 3: Clubface position

As you swing, make sure you’re positioning the clubface slightly open at impact. This means the clubface should be pointing slightly to the right of your target (for right-handed golfers). 

This will help you create the proper spin and trajectory for the fade shot.

Step 4: Follow through

After impact, make sure you’re following through to the left of your target line (for right-handed golfers). This will help you maintain your swing path and create the proper spin for the fade shot.

Step 5: Practice

Hitting a fade shot takes practice and experimentation. Spend some time on the driving range working on your setup, swing path, and clubface position. Try different ball positions, grips, and swing speeds to find what works best for you.

Remember, hitting a fade shot with a driver or irons can be a valuable skill to have on the golf course. With practice and patience, you can master this shot and add it to your arsenal of skills.

What Are The Common Mistakes In Follow-Through For A Fade Shot?

The follow-through is a crucial component of any golf swing, and there are several common mistakes that can affect the outcome of a fade shot. 

• One of the most common mistakes is failing to extend your arms fully through the swing, which can result in a loss of power and accuracy. 

• Another mistake is failing to maintain your balance through the swing, which can cause you to lose your footing and affect your ball flight. 

It’s also important to avoid “flipping” your hands at the ball, as this can cause the clubface to close and result in a hook or pull shot. 

Instead, focus on keeping your hands and wrists in the proper position through the swing and maintaining a smooth, controlled motion. 

• Finally, it’s important to follow through toward your target, rather than stopping abruptly or pulling up on the club. This helps ensure a full and complete swing, which is essential for achieving the desired ball flight and accuracy.

Bonus Tips for Better Fading

If you want to improve your fade shot, there are several tips and techniques that can help. Here are a few:

1. Practice with different clubs: Fading a driver requires a slightly different technique than fading an iron, so it’s important to practice with different clubs to get a feel for how to hit a fade with each one.

2. Use a weaker grip: A grip that is too strong can cause the clubface to close at impact, which can lead to a hook or pull shot. Try using a slightly weaker grip when hitting a fade shot.

3. Aim slightly left: Since a fade shot starts left of the target and curves back to the right, it’s important to aim slightly left of your target line. This helps create the necessary left-to-right spin for the ball to fade.

4. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing: Trying to swing too hard or too fast can lead to inconsistent ball flight and mishits. Focus on a smooth, controlled swing that allows you to maintain your balance and rhythm throughout the shot.

5. Visualize the shot: Before hitting a fade shot, take a moment to visualize the shot in your mind. This helps you focus on the desired outcome and can help you execute the shot more effectively.

Remember, hitting a consistent fade shot takes practice and patience. Keep these tips in mind and work on your technique regularly to improve your fading ability and become a more well-rounded golfer.

FAQS About How to Fade a Golf Ball:

What is the difference between a slice and a fade in golf?

A fade is a controlled shot that starts left of the target and curves back to the right, while a slice is an unintended shot that starts left and continues to curve to the right. 

A fade is intentional and can be used to control ball flight, while a slice is a common mistake that can cause the ball to go off-target.

Can a fade shot be used to hit a draw shot?

No, a fade shot is the opposite of a draw shot. A fade starts left and curves to the right, while a draw starts right and curves to the left. 

To hit a draw shot, you need to use a different technique that promotes a right-to-left spin on the ball.

Is it easier to hit a fade or a draw shot?

This depends on the golfer and their individual swing tendencies. Some golfers naturally hit a fade or a draw, while others may find one easier to hit than the other. 

It’s important to practice both shots and develop a versatile swing that can handle different shot shapes.

How can I create more spin on the ball for a better fade?

To create more spin on the ball for a better fade, focus on keeping your hands ahead of the ball at impact and using a slightly open clubface. This promotes a left-to-right spin on the ball and can help produce a more controlled fade shot.

How long does it take to master the fade shot in golf?

This varies depending on the individual golfer and their level of dedication to practice and improvement. It may take several weeks or months of consistent practice to develop a consistent and reliable fade shot. 

However, with time and effort, it is possible to master this important shot and use it to improve your golf game.

Final Word

In conclusion, a fade shot is a crucial shot that every golfer needs to have in their game. 

By following the proper setup, swing, and follow-through, you can consistently hit a beautiful fade shot that lands you closer to the pin. 

Remember to practice regularly and incorporate these tips to perfect your fade shot.