A good golf swing, for most people is developed through hours of golf instruction and practice. Many people never really do develop what they would describe as a good golf swing. The most common problem for the average golfer is overcoming their slice. For many beginning golfers it is a cause of great frustration and may cause them to quit the game of golf altogether. A golf ball slices when one of several golf swing problems cause excessive side spin on the ball causing the ball to curve to the right.
If you have a good golf swing that is consistent and repetitive then you might even want the develop the effects of a slice. A controlled slice is called a fade. The major difference between a slice and a fade is the amount of control. Why would you want to slice the ball? All golf courses have obstacles and dogleg fairways that have to be overcome by the golfer. Many golfers will play short or lay up to get around these course obstacles however many good golfers will choose to hit a fade or draw golf shot. A good fade shot is a good way to get around a right dogleg or an tree located in the right side of the fairway. Again a fade is a controlled right hand curving golf shot.
So how do you make a good fade shot? You begin by getting into your normal address position. Swing your club up to waist high follow through position so that your left arm is fully extended so that the club and your arm forms an L shape. That means the tip or toe of the club must point back to right. When you look down the club shaft you should note that your point of aim is 10 to 15 feet to the left of your target.
Now bring your swing all the way to the back swing position. Repeat this move several times to ingrain the feel of this swing. You will notice that the position of your follow through position will cause your to take a wide outside upswing plane. As you make your down swing your club face will remain open as your swing moves outside during your release. This will cause strong left to right spin and thus a fade shot. You will have to spend a good deal of time at the range to get a comfortable and confident with your fade shot. Remember to warm up your practice session using the fundamentals of a good golf swing. Plan your practices sessions with distinct objectives. Keep a diary of each practice session to assure you develop a repeatable golf shot.
On the course you can use the mental check list of steps provided above to make sure that your swing plane is correct for the fade shot. Some golfers will also increase the amount of fade by further opening the club face. One additional tip is to make sure you maintain strong left hand grip to delay the release of your hands which will also open the club face at the point of impact. As you develop your skill and confidence at making a consistent fade shot your enjoyment of the game of golf will increase and your partners will marvel at your skill. Imagine the look on their faces as your ball fades around a center fairway tree to lie in the middle of the fairway on the other side. A good golf swing is a beautiful thing.
James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of Good Golf Swing website. Providing information on golf swing tips, putting tips, Golf instruction, Golf Swing Aids and Golf ebooks.
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