When to Start Shaping Shots

[Tugglife2]

I'm not the least bit concerned about doing this at this point because I can't even hit the ball straight consistently, but generally speaking at what point in one's golfing development do you start worrying about shaping shots? Is there a rough handicap index or ability level?

And to go along with that, is it even necessary to be able to shape shots even as a good golfer ability wise(say high single digit HC)?

[Tiger Spuds]

I'm not the least bit concerned about doing this at this point because I can't even hit the ball straight consistently, but generally speaking at what point in one's golfing development do you start worrying about shaping shots? Is there a rough handicap index or ability level?

I've found that as your swing progresses, adding shape to your shots tends to be a natural progression too.I started out just happy to hit a ball with a dead straight ball flight, and never made a conscious effort to start shaping shots.But I've now got to the point with my swing where a draw has become my natural shot, through attack plane on the ball and hand action.Depending on how your swing is made up, and as your striking improves, you should develop your own natural shot shape.Personally found that trying to force draws and fades using traditional technique's never really worked out properly.

[zeg]

Personally, I tend to work on it every now and then even while I can't hit it straight. I don't use it on the course, but it seems worthwhile to me to try now and then. My reasoning is that if you can't draw/fade at all, even on the range, it's going to be hard to straighten out your flaws---there's something missing from your technique. In my case, I have a classic (though not extreme) over the top tendency, so I tend to have a straight pull or a slice depending on where my club face ends up. When I try to draw it, I am forced to fix my clubhead path or there's simply no way to have a proper push-draw. Thus, even if I'm not going to start using a draw on the course, it helps me work on the in-to-out action.

However, I don't do it too often. Most of the time I spend my time working on the shots I'm actually going to use... but it's also fun to try to make shot shapes, and sometimes you just have to have fun.

[imtomtomim]

Start shaping shots now. I always found it easier to hit it in one direction than another. The conditions for a shaped shot can vary a great amount and still end up back at target while the conditions for a straight shot are very demanding and precise. I have always shaped shots, even when I picked up the game 2 years ago. It started with a slice, but I played the slice. Learned to hit it the other way, and the draw became my shot. Not until recently, have I been able to hit the straight ball, and still, I need to choose a straight fade or draw (maybe about 1-2 yards movement).

[melchior]

Just yesterday I was out and I really was trying to shape my shots. The reason for this is because the fairway angled one way or another; or there were too many hazards on one side. Even still; trying to shape your shots gives you a base starting point to know where you can hit it (and play with any curve that you get) and relate that to how you swing the club. Just thinking about your swing and what you want to happen is a big step forward for any golfer that wants to get better.

[Harmonious]

At this point in your game (based on your handicap listing) you don't need to worry about purposely shaping your shots. I imagine they are doing plenty of "shaping" on their own. To answer your question, you never absolutely need to shape your shots, a straight ball will work just fine for you. Work on hitting the ball consistently.

[double_j]

Don't worry about playing a shot shape until you have the mechanics to pull it off fairly consistently. No need to really worry about it if you won't be able to pull it off anyway.

Shaping shots is necessary if you want to get those last couple of strokes off your low single digit cap, but otherwise a straight (or fairly straight) ball will suit most of us fine. For the most part, trying to shape a ball probably costs the average hacker (like me) more than would be save even if perfectly executed (e.g., 9 times out of 10 you'll either mishit it really bad because you're using a non-standard swing or you'll over/under play the shape and end up in trouble).

[nevets88]

I suppose it wouldn't do any harm to try it on the range at any point you feel like it. I wonder if it makes sense to really get into it before you learn a proper release, hitting the ball first, divot past ball and all that. I think even if you flip and you can pull off little 3/4 hooks and fades with consistency, it might help you score better getting back into the fairway from wayward drives, assuming a decently clear path - given those circumstances, that's the only time I'd use it in a round.

[pittpanther]

Most are saying "Don't shape until you are a single-digit HC," but I'm going to disagree. I think most bogey golfers have the skills to learn to shape shots, at least off the tee. Also, most courses will provide several holes that don't match up with your natural shot shape, or will penalize a straight shot.

For example, my natural shot is a draw, but when I face a hole that veers to the right off the tee, this penalizes a draw. Even a straight shot might go into the left rough unless it's aimed perfectly. If I had the ability to implement a fade, I would be able to make my shot follow the natural shape of the hole. And if I screw up the fade, am I really any worse off than if I hit my natural draw? Only if I push it right instead of fade it. Is that any worse than if I pull it left instead of draw it?

[allin]

Even though you may not wish to risk it off the tee at this point, I would at least see if you can begin to develop some recovery shots. See if you can hit a low hook for around the tree situations, punches etc. As you gain confidence then move up to the longer clubs, hybrids, FWY, driver.

[nevets88]

We can talk about when to start shaping shots till we're blue in the face, but it is a great feeling when you pull off a shaped shot and it goes where you want. Hooks are easy for me, but when I pull off a fade on purpose, I feel like I hit a really good shot.

One instance where I don't try shaped shots during practice or in play is when I go through a swing change. Trying shaped shots then really throws me off.

[golfro]

when you can consistently hit a shot straight....then you can worry about shaping shots. when you can't even hit it straight...why bother?

[redranger]

I would say that when you feel comfortable with your natural ball flight and that you believe it will be consistent. No sense in trying different ball flights when you aren't consistent with your current one. Wait till you feel like no matter what new things you try, you can go back to your natural, normal swing.