For golfers, hitting a draw shot is considered one of the best shots to have in your arsenal. It helps you curve the ball from right to left and can add extra distance to your shots. However, hitting a draw shot is not easy, and it requires a good understanding of the technique involved. In this article, we will delve deeper into the technique of hitting a draw shot and provide a step-by-step guide to help you Hit a Draw in Golf.
Understanding How to Hit a Draw in Golf
Before we delve into the technicalities of hitting a draw shot, let’s first understand what a draw shot is. A draw shot refers to a shot that curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) in the air. To execute a draw shot, the golfer must create a right-to-left spin on the ball, which causes the ball to curve in the air. The shot is often used to get around obstacles on the course or to add extra distance to shots by creating a rolling effect on the ball.
The Benefits of a Draw Shot
The benefits of hitting a draw shot are numerous. For starters, a draw shot adds extra distance to your shots by creating a rolling effect on the ball. Additionally, it helps golfers get around obstacles on the course, such as trees, by curving the ball from right to left. It’s also a great shot to have in the golfer’s toolkit as it adds variety to their game and makes them less predictable on the course.
Another benefit of the draw shot is that it can help golfers hit the ball higher. When a golfer hits a draw shot, the ball is launched on a lower trajectory, but because of the spin on the ball, it rises higher in the air. This can be especially helpful when trying to hit the ball over a tree or other obstacle on the course.
Finally, hitting a draw shot can help golfers hit the ball straighter. When a golfer hits a draw shot, the ball starts off to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer) before curving back towards the target. This means that even if the golfer doesn’t hit the ball exactly where they want to, the ball will still end up closer to the target than if they had hit a straight shot.
The Science Behind the Draw Shot
Now that we understand what a draw shot is let’s look at the science behind it. To execute a draw shot, the golfer must create a right-to-left spin on the ball. This spin is achieved by hitting the ball with a clubface that is closed to the swing path.
The closed clubface makes contact with the ball slightly earlier than a square clubface, which results in a right-to-left spin on the ball. Additionally, the golfer must have a swing path that is more inside-out, which also creates a right-to-left spin on the ball.
It’s important to note that the amount of spin a golfer puts on the ball will affect the amount of curve on the shot. The more spin a golfer puts on the ball, the more the ball will curve from right to left.
Draw vs. Fade: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between a draw shot and a fade shot as both shots involve ball flight curving to the left (for a right-handed golfer). A draw shot curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) because of the right-to-left spin on the ball. A fade shot, on the other hand, curves from left to right because of the left-to-right spin on the ball. The key difference between the two shots is the direction of the spin on the ball.
It’s worth noting that some golfers prefer to hit a fade shot instead of a draw shot. This is often because a fade shot can be easier to control and is less likely to result in a hook (a shot that curves too much to the left). However, for golfers who are looking to add distance to their shots or get around obstacles on the course, the draw shot can be a valuable tool in their arsenal.
Ultimately, whether a golfer chooses to hit a draw shot or a fade shot will depend on their personal preference and the situation on the course. However, understanding the mechanics behind both shots can help golfers make more informed decisions and improve their overall game.
The Fundamentals of Hitting a Draw
Now that we understand what a draw shot is and the science behind it, let’s take a closer look at the fundamental techniques involved in hitting a draw shot.
Proper Grip for a Draw Shot
The first thing you need to ensure when attempting a draw shot is a proper grip. A proper grip is essential to hitting consistent draw shots. To grip the club correctly, place your left hand on the club first, with the hand facing the target.
Then place your right hand on the club, with the hand facing in the opposite direction, making sure your right thumb rests on the left side of the grip. When gripping the club, ensure your hands are not too tight as this can inhibit the free movement of the club.
The Importance of Clubface Alignment
The next important element when hitting a draw shot is clubface alignment. To hit a draw shot, you must align the clubface closed to the swing path. This closed face position at setup delivers the face to the ball slightly earlier, creating the right-to-left spin necessary to hit the draw shot. Additionally, when making contact with the ball, ensure that the clubface is pointing towards the target.
Adjusting Your Stance and Swing Path
The final fundamental element when hitting a draw shot is adjusting your stance and swing path. To hit a draw shot, you need to have a more inside-out swing path than a normal shot. This swing path ensures that the clubface strikes the ball with a closed position, creating the right-to-left spin on the ball.
Additionally, you can adjust your stance by having your shoulders, hips, and feet slightly aligned right to your target (for a right-handed golfer), which also sets up the inside-out swing path.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hitting a Draw
Now that we have looked at the fundamental elements involved in hitting a draw shot let’s take a step-by-step approach to hitting the shot.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Shot
The first step in hitting a draw shot is to set up correctly. Start by aligning your body slightly right to your target (for a right-handed golfer). Ensure your clubface is closed to the swing path and pointing towards the target. Place the ball slightly back in your stance and take an extra half-club of loft to ensure the ball gets airborne.
Step 2: Executing the Swing
Now that you are set up correctly, it’s time to execute the swing. When taking your swing, aim to swing from inside-out, ensuring the clubface strikes the ball with a closed position. Additionally, swing the club at a relatively slow and smooth pace, which allows for better control and accuracy. When making contact with the ball, ensure that the clubface is facing the target.
Step 3: Analyzing and Adjusting Your Shot
Finally, analyze your shot to see where you can improve. You should aim to hit your drives with a consistent curve, and if you are not achieving this, try to adjust your grip, swing path, or stance. Additionally, practice hitting the draw shot regularly to develop the muscle memory required to hit the shot consistently.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
As with any golf shot, there are common mistakes that golfers make when trying to hit a draw shot. Here are a few of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
Over-rotating the Clubface
The most common mistake golfers make when attempting a draw shot is over-rotating the clubface. This occurs when the golfer tries to close the clubface too much, which results in a hook shot. To fix this, ensure that you grip the club correctly and that the clubface is closed to the swing path, but not too much.
Incorrect Weight Transfer
Another common mistake is incorrect weight transfer. This happens when the golfer does not transfer their weight correctly, causing the club to strike the ball too steeply. To fix this, focus on transferring your weight smoothly on your downswing, ensuring that you have an inside-out swing path.
Inconsistent Swing Path
The final common mistake golfers make is an inconsistent swing path. This happens when the golfer does not have a consistent inside-out swing path when hitting draw shots. To fix this, practice hitting draw shots regularly, focusing on achieving a consistent inside-out swing path.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hitting a draw shot is a valuable tool for any golfer to have in their toolkit. By following the fundamental techniques outlined in this article and practicing the step-by-step guide provided, you too can add this shot to your game. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to hit the driving range and try multiple draw shots until you have perfected the technique. Good luck out there!
