The ability to shape shots left or right and hit shots high or low are important features of a better golfer. The techniques are simple with a bit of practice.

The shape of the golf shots is dictated by the path of the club and where the alignment of the body is in relationship to the golf swing — in other words, where you aim your body lines and where you swing the golf club.

When shaping shots, the golf club always is aimed at the final target, just as if you were going to hit it straight. Except now we take our body lines, knees, shoulders and feet, aiming these lines either left of the target for a fade or slice or to the right of the target for a draw or hook. The amount to aim to one side or the other is determined by how much you want the ball to turn. I will open up about 6 to 10 inches for an average fade.

When hitting shots higher than normal, ball position becomes very important. Normally for irons, the ball position is out in front of the belly button. To hit a high shot, we need to move the ball more toward the left foot (for a right-hander). What this does is allow the club to hit the ball almost on an upward path, thus having a higher trajectory.

The lower shots are easier to hit. The ball position is still in the normal position in front of the belly button, but what changes is the length of the backswing. You want to take more club than normal and swing shorter on the backswing (if you would normally use a 7-iron, use a 5-iron) about waist high, but not any farther. On the follow through, finish about the same length as the backswing. The hands on a low shot will finish low and the hands on a high shot will finish high.

Should you have any other questions, see your local PGA golf professional.