How to Hit a Draw or Fade on Command | 5 Easy Steps
Shape Your Shots Like a Pro
We’ve all been there: standing on the tee box, staring down the fairway, feeling it deep in the bones that the damn ball is gonna veer off in the wrong direction — but it doesn’t have to be this way.
The ability to hit a draw or fade on command isn’t just for the pros—it’s something every golfer, from beginners to seasoned veterans, can learn with a little practice and some understanding of the mechanics behind these shots.
Whether you’re trying to work the ball around a dogleg, avoid a bunker, or just add some variety to your shots, learning how to hit a draw or a fade will give you more control over your game and scores.
In this Pyramid Golf Guide, we’ll break down the steps to hitting a draw or fade on command so you can add this skill to your golf arsenal and have your buddies curse the day you were born. Let’s get right to it.
Topics Covered in This Guide
1. Understand the Basics of a Draw and Fade
Before we get into the specifics of how to hit a draw or fade, let’s quickly review what they actually are. A draw is a shot that curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers), while a fade curves from left to right. The key to both shots lies in the clubface and the swing path.
Draw : The clubface is slightly closed relative to the swing path at impact, causing the ball to spin in a way that makes it curve to the left.
Fade : The clubface is slightly open relative to the swing path at impact, causing the ball to spin in a way that makes it curve to the right.
Now that we know what we’re aiming for, let’s learn how to nail 'em.
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2. Adjust Your Grip for a Draw or Fade
Believe it or not, the grip can have a huge influence on whether your shot draws or fades. By adjusting how you grip the club, you can influence the clubface's position at impact, which is key for shaping your shot.
Grip For a Draw
To promote a draw, you’ll want to slightly strengthen your grip. This means rotating both hands a little to the right (for right-handed golfers) on the club. When you do this, the clubface will be slightly closed at impact, encouraging that right-to-left spin that produces the draw.
Grip For a Fade
To hit a fade, you’ll want to weaken your grip slightly. This means rotating both hands a little to the left (for right-handed golfers) on the club. With a weaker grip, the clubface will be slightly open at impact, which encourages the left-to-right spin needed for a fade.
 Pro Tip : Don’t go overboard with your grip adjustments. Small changes are all you need to influence the ball’s trajectory. A little tweak goes a long way!
3. Modify Your Stance and Alignment
Your stance and alignment play a huge role in whether you can successfully execute a draw or fade. The key is to adjust your body position to support the intended shot shape.
Stance For a Draw
Set up with a slightly closed stance. This means positioning your feet, hips, and shoulders slightly to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers). Your swing path will then naturally follow this path, promoting a draw. This is a simple and effective way to make sure the ball will curve left.
For a Fade
To hit a fade, align your body slightly to the left of your target. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aimed a little to the left (for right-handed golfers). This will encourage a slightly open swing path and allow the ball to curve to the right.
Pro Tip: Visualize a line running from your feet to your target, and then practice swinging along that line. Your stance should always support the shot shape you’re trying to hit.
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4. Focus on the Swing Path
Now that you’ve got your grip and alignment in place, let’s talk about the swing path. The swing path is the direction in which the club is moving at the moment of impact.
Swing Path For a Draw
To hit a draw, your swing path needs to be slightly from the inside. This means your club should be coming from behind you, swinging along a path that is slightly to the right of the target. This inside-to-out swing path helps promote the right-to-left spin necessary for a draw.
Swing Path For a Fade
To hit a fade, your swing path needs to be slightly from the outside. This means your club should be coming from above the ball, swinging along a path that’s slightly to the left of the target. This outside-to-in swing path promotes the left-to-right spin necessary for a fade.
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Pro Tip: Think of the clubhead traveling on a slight arc around your body, like it’s on a track. The path you take will determine whether the ball curves left or right.
5. Practice with Intent
The best way to improve your ability to hit a draw or fade on command is to practice—specifically, practice with intent. Don’t just aimlessly hit balls at the driving range; take the time to work on shaping your shots.
How to Practice a Draw
On the range, try to intentionally hit a few draws by focusing on a closed stance, a stronger grip, and an inside-to-out swing path. Aim to curve the ball from right to left and see how your body and mind adjust to the shot shape.
How to Practice a Fade
Similarly, focus on hitting a few fades by using a slightly open stance, a weaker grip, and an outside-to-in swing path. Aim to curve the ball from left to right, and practice visualizing the flight path.
Pro Tip: Start with half swings and gradually build up to full swings as you gain control. The more you practice these shot shapes, the more you’ll be able to hit them on command during a round.
Hit Every Shot on Your Terms
Being able to hit a draw or fade on command is an incredibly valuable skill that gives you more control over your ball flight and can help you tackle tricky holes with confidence. By following the action steps in this guide, you will with time unlock the ability to shape your shots just like the pros.
And if you want to take your game to the next level, consider investing in a high-quality club like the Pyramid F14 Sphinx or even a P3 Pharaoh Wedge. Both offer excellent control and accuracy, allowing you to work the ball in any direction with ease.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time.
To better golf,
Matt Stephens
Founder & Inventor, Pyramid Golf
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