If you're a player that struggles to shape the ball or is not sure how to shape the ball then this training episode is going to be for you!
So when do you need to shape the golf ball?
In this training episode I am going to share with you a SIMPLE FORMULA to help you shape the ball the desired amount.
A couple of key points to consider before we get into it:
1) If you are trying to shape the ball then a higher lofted club such as your 8, 9 iron or pitching wedge are going to curve less due to the amount of loft and backspin that's going to be created.
2 ) Your lower lofted clubs such as your long irons, hybrids and woods are going to curve more due to the straighter face and less loft.
3 If you're hitting out of the rough you'll likely have a lot of grass that can get trapped between the club face and ball. This is going to reduce the amount of spin you can create and therefore reduce how much you're able to curve the golf ball.
What are the main factors affecting the shape of your golf shots?
Each time you make a golf swing, there are two main factors that determine the direction and curvature of the golf ball. One is your club path and the other is the club face angle at impact (club face angle is a much bigger contributor):
So let's get straight into the formula. The first question you need to ask yourself is:
"How much curvature do I want on this shot?"
Given that the ball will usually start MUCH closer to where the club face is aiming it would seem correct that you should align your club face where your want the ball to start. Let's say you're looking to curve the ball 10 metres starting from the right side of the green back to the centre of the green. Now you know how much curvature you are looking for, you can aim your club face at the right side of the green and then DOUBLE THE DISTANCE of your club path to the right. This is the direction you want to swing the club. By aiming your body 10 metres right of where your club face is aiming it's going to mean less adjustments required during your swing.
The formula works the same whether you want to hit the ball right to left or left to right. It also assumes a centre strike on the club face.
SHOT SHAPING FORMULA
Aim club face where you want ball to start (e.g 10 metres right of the end target)
+
Swing the club (club path) double this distance (20 metres right of the end target)
=
Desired amount of curvature (10 metre right to left shot shape - assuming a centre strike)
Most players will have a shot shape that you find easier. For me, the fade is my usual pattern and is my general shot shape when I am playing my best golf. When I try to shape the ball the other way (draw for a right handed player) I find it a little bit more difficult. Therefore, I would like to stress the importance for the everyday golfer of practicing your shot shaping at the driving range before you go and attempt it during your next competition round. Remember the science labs in high school? Well, why not treat the driving range as your golf lab and a place where you can experiment with certain shot shapes. This is also one way to practice more effectively.
Give this simple formula a try during your next driving range session and let me know how you go. If you'd like any help or your own personalised practice plan click here to learn more about how you can work with me.
Have you tried this simple shot shaping formula? Post any questions or comments below. Also, check out my YouTube channel with more FREE tips and if you find them helpful, please like and subscribe to the channel as there's plenty more great content to come.
Thanks again for checking out my latest Training Episode, and I hope to connect with you soon!
