How to practice shot shaping
Golf Monthly top 25 coach John Jacobs explains shaping shots on the range
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

Golf Monthly top 25 coach John Jacobs explains how to practice shot shaping on the range before you head out to play or during the off season
How to practice shot shaping
Falts:
You have the same shot shape for every shot
Your game is too one-dimensional
Fix:
The range is obviously an important place for every golfer, but it often gets used poorly. I like my pupils to either use their practice time to build repetition in their swing, or to work on a new shot shape which they can take with them to the course. To show you how to do the latter, I've set up two work stations here. Start by creating a gate directly on your target line.
The idea is to hit straight shots through the gate. Sounds easy doesn't it? What is interesting about this is how far right of the target the gate looks as you address the ball. Understanding that this is the line to start your shots on is important, and it may well help you to stop ‘coming over the top'.
Once you know that your standard shots are starting on line, place one stick directly on your target line, and hit a series of fades and draws around this stick. This forces you to commit to starting the ball on the right line. As your body and clubface aim right for a draw and left for a fade, your swing will automatically work along the line required to produce the shape you want. This very visual drill is a great way to help you shape your shots through developing your natural feel.
Lee was a freelance writer for Golf Monthly from 2013 to 2015.
-
-
Oceantee Premium Bamboo Tees Review
Our verdict on this collection of sustainable golf tees that should be easy to spot and last longer than a typical hardwood tee
By Joel Tadman • Published
-
Westwood Rubbishes Any Chance Of LIV Golf v PGA Tour Ryder Cup-Style Match
Lee Westwood told Liverpool FC legend Robbie Fowler that there is no chance of a LIV Golf v PGA Tour match
By Paul Higham • Published
-
How To Create Lag In The Golf Swing
Andrew Jones explains how to create lag by adding speed to your swing without killing accuracy
By Golf Monthly • Published
-
Stabilize your swing for better fairway wood strikes
By John Jacobs • Last updated
-
Angle of attack golf tips
Golf Monthly top 25 coach John Jacobs explains the correct angle of attack
By Lee Heaton • Published
-
5 Golf Grip Checkpoints
For consistent driving it's crucial to get the fundamentals right starting with the grip of your golf club
By Golf Monthly • Published
-
Greenside bunker distance control video
Golf Monthly Top 25 coach John Jacobs talks through some simple tips to help you improve your greenside bunker distance control.
By Tom Clarke • Published