Do you know the difference between a fade and a draw? A hook and a slice?
Take a look at all the different types of shot you might need -- and want to avoid! -- on the golf course.
Draw
For right-handed golfers, a draw is a shot that starts right and gently curves back to the left, useful for navigating obstacles such as trees.
Fade
A fade is the opposite of a draw. For right-handed golfers, a fade starts left and gently curves back to right. Generally, a fade will have a higher flight that a draw and will land more softly.
Push
A push is a straight shot that starts on a line away from the golfer. A right-handed golfer will push a short to the right. Players can also hit a push slice, which is a slice that starts right and curves further right.
Pull
The opposite of a push, a right-handed golfer will pull a shot straight to their left. A pull hook is a hook that starts left and curves further left.
Slice
The undoing of endless amateur golfers, a slice starts to the left of the target line, veering wildly to the right.
Hook
The opposite of a slice, a hook starts right and curves wildly left for a right-handed golfer.
Shank
Perhaps the most embarrassing shot that even the professionals are occasionally guilty of, a shank is a shot that comes off the hosel of the club (in between the heel and the shaft), shooting off low and right. Often referred to as a 'hosel rocket' due to the speed the ball travels at afterwards.
Fat
Also referred to as a 'chunked' shot, a fat shot happens when the ground is hit before the ball. With the club then losing all its speed before reaching the ball, the ball typically doesn't travel far.
Thin
The opposite of a fat, a thin shot is where a player strikes too high on the golf ball causing it to shoot off the face fast and low. Also known as a 'bladed' or 'skulled' shot.
Stinger
Typically used when players are trying to keep the ball low, often to navigate wind, a stinger is a low-flying shot.
Punch
Similar to the stinger, the punch is more frequently used when less distance is required. If a player is amongst the trees and needs to get themselves in play, they might use the punch shot to get the ball out of trouble.
Flop
Used around the greens to get over hazards, the flop shot is a high-trajectory shot used by opening the face of the club and swinging at speed to get the face of the club under the ball, sending the ball high into the air, stopping quickly on landing.
Bump and run
A type of chip shot, a bump and run is when the ball travels a short distance in the air before rolling on the ground like a putt. Useful to avoid having to putt through longer grass and avoid the ball spending too long in the air.
Pitch
Used when the distance required is too long for a chip and too short for a full swing. Typically used with a wedge, a player will take a half or three-quarter swing.
