Move the ball back for a draw, up for fade? I don't get it.

[shortstop20]

I've never subscribed to the theory that the ball should be moved back in the stance for a draw and up in the stance for a fade.

As the player is in the downswing, his clubface will turn towards the ball(squaring it up) as will his hands, the later in the downswing, the more the clubface will be more closed than it was before(or less open), and the earlier in the downswing, the more open the clubface will be.

So exactly how is moving the ball up in my stance going to promote a fade when the clubface will be more closed?

I could see how this may help a high handicap as they usually flip, but I don't see this could help other players.

Am I missing something or what?

[Zeph]

Don't think I've ever heard of moving the ball to promote a fade or draw. Most commonly it's done to change the trajectory. Back for low and forward for high.

[Blades4me]

I've never subscribed to the theory that the ball should be moved back in the stance for a draw and up in the stance for a fade.

I know the theroy, but have a hard time explaining it. What I have found though is that putting ball back in the stance a little works well for a knock down draw. With mb's when I want to work the ball I'll open up or shut down the face, usually go 1 club down and do a nice smooth 3/4 or so swing. Although one thing I've found is, working the ball is cool, but it can't beat a good straight shot.

[chspeed]

Assuming you have a nice in-out-in swing path that does not change too much when you move the ball (it has to change some, or you'll miss the ball), and you can square the clubface to the target-line at impact, even when you move the ball - two big ifs - here's what happens:

-If the ball is in the center of your stance, you are moving straight down the target line for the instant you hit the ball. You will then have no spin on the ball if the clubface is square and hit it dead straight. Very hard to do.

-If the ball is back in your stance, you will be moving on an in-out path at impact, and with the clubface closed in relation to the swing path, you will start out right and hit a draw. Note: Most people leave the club face square or open respective to the swing path when the ball is back, resulting in a push or push slice.

-If the ball is forward in your stance, you will be moving on an out to in path at impact, and with the clubface open in relation to the swing path, you will start out left and hit a fade. Note: Most people close or square the clubface in relation to swing path when the ball is forward, resulting in a pull or pull hook.

Of course, most people automatically adjust their swing paths quite a bit when the ball moves forward or back in the stance, so that opens up another variable.

[uttexas]

Having the ball back in the stance makes it easier to hit a trap draw.

Having the ball forward, makes it easier to stay behind the ball, keep some weight on the right leg (for a righty), and hold off on the follow through (keeping the clubface open a bit longer), thus promoting a high fade.

[CG031]

Don't think I've ever heard of moving the ball to promote a fade or draw. Most commonly it's done to change the trajectory. Back for low and forward for high.

LOL, Where have you been then? Almost all good players I talk to adjust ball position when they are going to shape a shot.

[kleraudio]

Whats helped me shape shots lately is if I want to hit a draw, I'll set up square then move my right foot up a bit, essentially closing my stance and making it automatic for my swing to move more inside out. By changing the stance to a bit closed, you are in essence moving the ball in your stance without actually moving it...

I hope i explained that right...

But you are right, Ive been reading a lot about shot shaping and moving the ball in your stance ranks up there with other tricks that have been said...

Jim