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If golfers wish to shape the golf ball on demand they must first understand relationship between club face angle and club path through the ball.

These are the two impact factors which determine in which direction the ball will travel. All three major shot shapes (draw, fade and straight) require slightly different variations of club face angle and club path. Here is a list of the shot shapes and what club path and face angle are needed.

Fade – To produce a fade the club needs to travel from out-to-in (cutting across the body). At the point of impact, the club face needs to aim between the target line and club path (just left of the target). This will produce fade spin and move the ball left to right.
Draw - To produce a draw the club needs to travel from in-to-out (moving from inside the body to out). At the point of impact, the club face needs to aim between the target line and club path (just right of the target). This impact position will cause a draw moving the ball right to left.
Straight shot – Hitting a straight shot requires the club to travel from inside to square to inside. At impact the club face needs to aim at the target line. This will produce a straight shot.

After understanding these different paths and club face angles, golfers first need to practice reproducing them on the driving range before taking them on to the course. On a driving range it is easier to use practice drills to help hone the shot shapes. Practice this drill before heading out on to the course.

• Place two alignment sticks one foot apart pointing down towards the target. The alignment sticks represent a straight swing path through the ball
• To practice hitting a straight shot, swing through the ball on an in-to-square-to-in swing path with the club face pointing towards the target at impact
• To practice a fade, move the alignment sticks to aim slightly left of the target line and practice swinging slightly out to in with the club face pointing between the path and target
• For a draw, aim the sticks slightly right and move the club in-to-out with the club pointing between the path and target
• By using the alignment sticks, golfers will be better able to tell what path the club is traveling on

Shaping shots is not easy but by learning path and club face angle any golfer is capable of hitting great ball flights.

Although golfers will want to get out on to the course as quickly as possible, they should first practice the paths and club face angles on the range to hone their technique.

Golfers can invest in draw bias clubs but these are more game improvement clubs for people who slice the ball. Fixing the path and club face angle is a more lasting solution.

Players looking to hit more fades and draws will be better suited using a high spinning ball as it will react better at impact and have more side spin through the air.