Draw or FadeBall Position by Club All clubs Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 14 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Ball Position for Fades and Draws: Each Club's Zone

Name: Ball Position for Fades and Draws: Each Club's Zone
Uploaded: 2021-02-01T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 14 min 15 s
Channel: Mark Crossfield
Description: What if there weren't just one "right" ball position? Professional golfer Mark Crossfield suggests a playing zone for each club. Moving the ball forward or backward by a few centimeters becomes a way to adjust the direction of the shot, its curve, and its height.

What if there weren't just one "right" ball position? Professional golfer Mark Crossfield suggests a playing zone for each club. Moving the ball forward or backward by a few centimeters becomes a way to adjust the direction of the shot, its curve, and its height.

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Mark Crossfield · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemJordan Spieth's safe fade with his ironsJordan Spieth · Intermediate / Expert 10 minSame problemBrooks Koepka's Fairway Finder: The Safe FadeBrooks Koepka · Intermediate / Expert 5 minFrom the same proStop Coming Over the Top with the Driver: Drop the Trail ArmMark Crossfield · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Mark Crossfield defines a standard position, the one where you do your usual move, and around it a play area. With the driver, his ball is positioned just inside his left heel; this area extends from the tip of his left big toe to about five centimeters behind his heel. The further forward the ball is, the more the clubface and path point to the left: the ball flies to the left, which is the ideal starting point for a fade that comes back. The farther back it is, the more the face and the path point to the right: this is the place of the draw. A shot hit very far back on the clubface with the driver goes to the right and flies low because there wasn't enough time to close the clubface.

The more loft a club has, the wider the sweet spot becomes, opening up more shot options. With mid-irons, the standard stance is about 2.5 cm forward of center. Backed by measurements, he demonstrates an almost neutral path and a 23° takeoff angle in the standard stance; a path clearly to the left and a higher takeoff angle with the ball positioned forward; and a path to the right and a lower takeoff angle with the ball positioned back. With wedges, the entire stance is usable: ball in the middle for the standard shot, near the right foot for a low shot, and aligned with the left hip to clear an obstacle. His conclusion: find your Start in a neutral stance while hitting balls, then explore the area.

The Exercise, Step by Step

When using a driver, aim for a ball positioned just inside your left heel.
For a fade, move it toward the tip of your left foot and aim a little further to the left.
For a draw, move it back a few centimeters and aim a little further to the right.
With medium irons, start with a ball positioned slightly ahead of center, then try a few centimeters in front and behind.
With a wedge, aim for the middle of your stance for a standard shot.
Move it back toward your right foot, with your hands out in front of you, for a low shot against the wind.
Move it forward toward your left hip for a high shot that stops quickly.

Key Takeaways

There isn't a single ball position; rather, there is a zone for each club.

Forward ball: path to the left, higher takeoff, rather faded.

Backhand: swing path to the right, lower contact point, with a slight draw.

With the driver, the fairway is narrow: you need height.

The more loft a club has, the wider the area and the range of shots it allows.

Your neutral stance depends on your swing: you find it by hitting balls.

Mistakes to Avoid

Find “the” right ball position and stick with it for every shot.
Copy a video's position without checking what your swing produces.
Place the ball well back on the driver: the ball will start to the right and fly low.
Never practice from the fallback positions.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Find your neutral stance with each club
Three shots: standard, forward, backward—and note the trajectory
With a wedge: low, standard, and high shots—just by changing the ball
Build your shot database before taking it out on the course

Your Questions

How does ball position affect the driver's trajectory?

According to Mark Crossfield, positioning the ball farther forward causes the ball to curve to the left, which is useful for hitting a fade. Positioning the ball farther back causes the ball to curve to the right, which is useful for hitting a draw.

What does he mean by “position of recourse”?

These are positions outside your usual playing area, made possible by clubs with loft: the ball is positioned very far back for a low shot, and very far forward for a high shot. They’re used to get out of a tight spot.

Why not place the ball farther back on the driver to keep it low?

With so little loft, a ball struck very far back on the clubface will fly to the right and low: you won't have time to close the clubface. The driver's sweet spot therefore remains close to the left heel.

How do I find my neutral position?

By hitting balls. Mark Crossfield points out that you can’t judge a ball position without seeing the resulting shot: yours may be in the center, or slightly back, and may vary slightly from one iron to another.

Learn More

All “Draw Effect or Fade Effect” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Ball Position by Club” →Find the lesson that's right for you Too Close or Too Far from the Ball: The Arm TestThe correct distance from the ball is achieved by letting your arms hang down: they should fall below your shoulders, not onto your thighs. Ball Position and Backspin: The Why ExplainedThe ball's position relative to the club is determined by the angle of attack and the desired amount of backspin: the more precision you want, the further back the ball is placed. Ball Position Workshop: Three Sticks, Three BallsA driving range station with three clubs and three balls, positioned at the center of the swing (front shoulder), to ensure a consistent ball position with every club. Mark CrossfieldAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Mark Crossfield). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.