Driving · Tip
Play a Fade You Can Count On
Part of our driving programs for slice, not enough distance. Build a program with it
Fighting a slice is tiring. Owning a gentle fade is a lot easier. You give up a few yards, but you gain control. If you're right-handed, aim a little left of your target. Firm up your grip a touch so the fade doesn't grow into a slice. Then swing along the line of your body. Don't try to steer the club. Expect the ball to curve. Accept it. It helps to know your launch and spin numbers, so your driver suits the shot.
Step by step
- Aim slightly left of target.
- Strengthen your grip a little.
- Swing along your body line.
- Expect the fade and trust it.
- Get your launch and spin checked.
Why it works
A fade starts left of the target for a right-hander and curves back right because the clubface is slightly open to the swing path. A slice happens when that gap is too large. Aiming left and strengthening your grip a little keeps the face closer to the path, so the curve stays small. Swinging along your body line gives a repeatable path, so the same start line and curve show up each time.
Common mistakes
- You aim left but your feet and shoulders stay pointed at the target.Set your feet, hips and shoulders parallel to the new aim line, then swing along that line.
- You strengthen the grip too far and the face closes, so the ball hooks or pulls.Turn your hands only a small amount, so you see about one extra knuckle on your lead hand, and check the ball still fades.
- You steer the club or hold the face open at impact to force the curve.Make a normal, committed swing along your body line and let the ball curve by itself.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts left of the target and curves gently back to the right.
- The ball starts on the same line shot after shot, with a similar amount of curve.
- You find the center of the face more often, and the ball no longer finishes far right of the fairway.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice with a 7-iron or a 3-wood off a tee first, and use an alignment stick on the ground to set your aim line.
Harder: Pick a specific fairway target and hit a fade that starts left of it and finishes inside it, using your driver on each shot.
Common questions
Is a fade better than a slice?
Yes. A fade curves less, starts closer to your aim line and loses fewer yards, so the ball is easier to control and to aim.
How do I aim when I play a fade?
For a right-hander, aim a little left of where you want the ball to finish, and set your body parallel to that line. The ball should start there and curve back toward the target.
