How Do I Hit a Draw?

So many golfers strive to hit a draw. With over 95% of amateur golfers suffering from a slice it is no wonder that the most common question around the club house and practice range is "how do I hit a draw?"

Learning to hit a draw is not that difficult if you understand what causes the ball to draw.

Think of it like a topspin forehand shot in tennis. You know the one where they whip the racket over the ball and it shoots off at a high velocity dipping low over the net.

The draw shot in golf is similar. To do this you have to have an "in-to-out" swing to get the club moving in the right direction - out to the right if you are a right handed golfer and to the left if you are a left handed golfer.

If you have an out-to-in swing the ball must start off left (for right handers or right for left handers) of the target line and it is impossible to get the top spin on the ball if that happens. So the first thing you need is an in-to-out swing.

The second thing that is vitally important is the club face angle through impact. If has to be square. If it is open you will land up with a push and if it is closed you will land up with a hook.

The slightest change in club face angle through impact can make a big difference in the result. That is why you often hear golfers saying "everything is going wrong today and I don't feel as if I am doing anything different".

Most times they will be slightly off with their club angle through impact. A small adjustment is all it takes to get it right.

The swing is a bit more complicated because your natural swing will always revert to what you are used to. And your big muscle memories are stubborn. It is this muscle memory you need to change. The best way of doing this is through repetition. They say it takes something like 21 days to change out of or into a new habit.

Training your big muscles should be done by repeating drills, in slow motion at first, until they feel automatic to you. Remember when you first started driving a car how much there was to learn? Now you don't even give it a second thought.

Here's a little drill that might help - the Back and Under.

Here's what you do (remember do this in slow motion):

Take an appropriate stance with the club of choice and elevate it so the club is about 1½ feet off the ground. Make a back swing that is not pulled quickly inside - straight back will do. Note the angle of the plane going back. Now make a forward swing in which the angle of the plane is under or shallower than the backswing plane bringing the club back to the ball on the ground - the point of contact. On this forward swing keep your non target elbow (right arm for right handed players and opposite for left handed) tucked into your hip and your non target arm touching your chest. Your shoulders should be turning your arms.

Back and under - back and under. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Do this consistently every day until it feels natural. Don't try it on the course until it is natural.

I trust I have gone some way to answering your question "How do I hit a draw?" by showing you a drill that can help in as little as 21 days.

Learning to play a draw is not that difficult.

The draw is probably the best shot in golf to provide you with maximum control. Don't believe me? Check what Bobby Eldridge and his team have to say about this over at Pure Point Golf.

Bobby and his team can show you exactly how to play the draw shot. Why not take a look and get your game to the next level?

Hit 'em straight and hit 'em long.