When you hit a fade shot, the ball is struck left of the target but travels right during flight. Your most likely use for it is when there is an obstacle such as a large tree between you and your target.

The fade is an advanced, controlled shot-unlike the slice, a poor hit that also moves the ball from left to right during flight.

You achieve the fade by changing your body alignment at address. This alters your swing path - not the swing itself - and puts sidespin on the ball.

The ball flies higher and runs shorter than a normal shot. You may have to take a slightly less lofted club than usual (for instance, a 5 iron instead of a 6 iron).

Align left of target

Your body should align left of the ball-to-target line, while you keep the clubface aimed square on to it. Slightly open your hips and shoulders by turning them left and swing normally. Your swing follows an out-to-in path: the clubhead travels from right to left across the standard swing path, causing it to brush through the ball and giving it sidespin. There is no need to change your grip.

You must have confidence in your set-up and your swing to achieve a successful fade, so rehearse the shot on the practice range. It is a 'feel' shot-you must be able to see the shot in your mind if you are to play it well.

Once you have developed a consistent routine, you are ready to attempt the shot on the course.

What happens when you fade

Fade swing path (out to in)
By aligning your body left of the ball-to-target line, in an open position, you automatically shift your swing path. Compared with a normal swing path, the fade produces a path that travels outside the normal line on the backswing and downswing, but moves inside that same line on the throughswing. You alter only your address position to achieve a fade. You do not change your swing to change your swing path.

Changing your swing path

Normal set-up
In normal set-up, your feet, hips and shoulders are parallel to the imaginary ball-to-target line. During normal takeaway and backswing, the club travels on a straight path inside and parallel to the ball-to target line. Throughout the swing, the club remains inside this line.
 
Fade set-up
Move your left foot about 6in (15cm) away from the club closest to your feet. This aligns you left of target. Keep the clubface square to the ball-to-target line, even if this imaginary line passes through the obstacle. Although you swing normally, adjustment at address produces an out-to-in swing path, which gives sidespin.