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Intentional Fade

The Intentional Fade

A fade is a shot where the ball spins clockwise in the air. A clockwise spin makes the ball move from left to right in the air.

To create this clockwise spin, the clubface must be opening through impact. This means that the face is open when the face hits the ball.

I will show you how to hit the fade and show you when and how to use it on the course.

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How to Hit a Fade

There are two ways to hit a fade. Try both methods and find the one that works better for you.

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Method 1

The simplest way to shape the ball is to alter your address position.

To hit a fade, you aim your clubhead at the point where you want the ball to finish and aim your body in the direction in which you want the ball to start.

From this position make your normal golf swing and the ball will curve from left to right in the air.

Method 2

The second method forces you to do a little more work.

You will have to keep the heel of the club ahead of the toe of the club through impact. Aim your body slightly to the left of the target and aim your clubface parallel to your body line. As you swing your arms through impact, you must fully release your body but delay the rotation of your arms so that the face is open when it hits the ball. Depending on how much you delay the arm rotation gives you more or less fade. The more you delay your arms, the more spin, the less you delay your arms, the less spin.

Remember, only delay the release of your arms. Always fully release your upper body.