Nina Caldwell
Curing a push in golf, where the ball starts right of the target and continues to the right (for right-handed players), requires addressing both technique and setup issues. A common cause is an open clubface at impact, often stemming from an overly strong grip or an incorrect swing path. To correct this, golfers should focus on aligning their body and clubface squarely at the target during setup, ensuring the grip is neutral. During the swing, maintaining a consistent tempo and focusing on rotating the hips and torso can help deliver the clubface correctly. Additionally, practicing drills like the gate drill, where alignment sticks are placed to guide the clubhead through the proper path, can reinforce muscle memory and eliminate the push. Consistent practice and attention to these fundamentals will lead to more accurate and reliable shots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Cause | Overactive upper body, too much tension in hands and arms, incorrect grip |
| Swing Path | Club travels on an out-to-in path relative to the target line |
| Clubface Position | Clubface is open at impact |
| Body Alignment | Upper body often tilts or sways excessively during the swing |
| Weight Transfer | Incomplete or improper weight shift from back foot to front foot |
| Drill to Fix | "Towel Drill" to focus on proper rotation and weight transfer |
| Grip Adjustment | Weaken grip slightly to square the clubface at impact |
| Practice Focus | Emphasize a one-piece takeaway and controlled hip rotation |
| Equipment Check | Ensure club length and lie angle are properly fitted for the golfer |
| Mental Approach | Focus on a smooth tempo and avoiding rushing the downswing |
| Common Mistake to Avoid | Overcorrecting by closing the clubface too much |
| Feedback Tool | Use alignment sticks or a mirror to monitor body and club position |
| Professional Advice | Consult a golf instructor for personalized swing analysis and correction |
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What You'll Learn
- Grip Adjustment: Strengthen your grip to reduce clubface closure at impact, minimizing leftward ball flight
- Alignment Correction: Square body alignment to target, ensuring shoulders and feet parallel to desired ball path
- Swing Path Fix: Focus on inside-out swing path by keeping backswing on plane, avoiding over-the-top moves
- Weight Shift: Lead with hip turn on downswing to shift weight right (for righties), promoting straighter shots
- Clubface Control: Practice drills like face tape to ensure square clubface contact through the hitting zone
Grip Adjustment: Strengthen your grip to reduce clubface closure at impact, minimizing leftward ball flight
A common cause of a push in golf is an overly closed clubface at impact, which sends the ball left of the target (for right-handed golfers). One effective way to address this issue is through grip adjustment, specifically by strengthening your grip. This adjustment helps reduce clubface closure at impact, promoting a more neutral or slightly open face, which minimizes leftward ball flight. To strengthen your grip, position your hands slightly more to the right on the club handle (for right-handed golfers). This means turning the *V* formed between your thumb and forefinger toward your trailing shoulder (right shoulder for right-handed golfers). A stronger grip encourages the clubface to remain more square or slightly open relative to the target line, reducing the tendency to push the ball.
When implementing this grip adjustment, focus on the relationship between your hands and the clubface. A weaker grip (hands more to the left) often leads to the clubface closing too quickly, resulting in a push. By strengthening your grip, you create a more neutral starting position, which makes it easier to control the clubface through the swing. Practice this adjustment by gripping the club and checking the alignment of your hands with the clubface at address. Ensure the face is square to your target, and the *V* formed by your hands points toward your trailing shoulder. This simple yet impactful change sets the foundation for a more controlled swing.
To reinforce the benefits of a stronger grip, incorporate drills into your practice routine. One effective drill is to hit shots with an exaggerated strong grip, focusing on keeping the clubface square at impact. Gradually reduce the strength of the grip until you find the optimal position that minimizes leftward ball flight. Another drill is to place a tee in the ground just outside the ball and focus on swinging the clubface so it avoids hitting the tee at impact. This drill promotes awareness of the clubface angle and encourages a more neutral path. Consistent practice of these drills will help solidify the grip adjustment and reduce the tendency to push the ball.
It’s important to note that grip adjustment alone may not completely cure a push, as other factors like swing path and body alignment also play a role. However, strengthening your grip is a critical first step in addressing clubface closure at impact. Combine this adjustment with a focus on maintaining a neutral swing path and proper body rotation for best results. Over time, this holistic approach will lead to more consistent ball striking and a reduction in pushed shots.
Finally, be patient and persistent when making grip adjustments. Changing your grip can feel uncomfortable initially, but with repetition, it will become second nature. Regularly check your grip during practice sessions and on the course to ensure you’re maintaining the stronger position. Pair this adjustment with video analysis or feedback from a coach to fine-tune your technique. By committing to this change, you’ll effectively reduce clubface closure at impact, minimizing leftward ball flight and curing your push in golf.
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Alignment Correction: Square body alignment to target, ensuring shoulders and feet parallel to desired ball path
One of the most effective ways to cure a push in golf is to focus on Alignment Correction, specifically ensuring your body is square to the target with your shoulders and feet parallel to the desired ball path. A push occurs when the ball travels right of the target (for right-handed golfers) due to an open clubface or misaligned body at impact. Start by addressing the ball with your feet aligned parallel to the target line. Imagine a railroad track where the tracks represent your feet and the target line; your feet should be on the outer track, perfectly parallel. This foundational step is crucial because even a slight misalignment can exacerbate the push.
Next, focus on your shoulder alignment. Your shoulders should also be parallel to the target line, mirroring the alignment of your feet. A common mistake is aligning the shoulders to the left of the target (for right-handed golfers), which can lead to an open stance and a pushed shot. To ensure accuracy, use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground as visual guides. Place one stick along the target line and another parallel to it, creating a clear reference for both your feet and shoulders. This visual feedback helps reinforce proper alignment and builds muscle memory over time.
Another key aspect of alignment correction is checking your hip alignment. Your hips should align similarly to your feet and shoulders, forming a cohesive unit that is square to the target. Misaligned hips can cause compensations in your swing, leading to a push. To verify hip alignment, stand with your feet and shoulders correctly aligned, then gently rock your weight forward and backward. If your hips feel centered and stable, you’re likely aligned correctly. If not, adjust until you achieve a balanced, square position.
Incorporating drills can further solidify proper alignment. One effective drill is the Alignment Gate Drill. Place two clubs on the ground, one along the target line and the other parallel to it, creating a "gate" for your feet and shoulders. Address the ball within this gate and focus on maintaining this alignment throughout your swing. Hit a few shots, ensuring your body remains square to the target. This drill not only reinforces proper alignment but also helps you feel the correct body positioning, reducing the likelihood of a push.
Finally, practice alignment correction during your pre-shot routine. Before every shot, take a moment to visually confirm that your feet, shoulders, and hips are parallel to the target line. Use intermediate targets, such as a blade of grass or a divot, to help align your body accurately. This mindful approach ensures consistency and helps eliminate alignment errors that contribute to a push. By making alignment correction a habit, you’ll develop a more reliable swing and see a significant reduction in pushed shots on the course.
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Swing Path Fix: Focus on inside-out swing path by keeping backswing on plane, avoiding over-the-top moves
One of the most effective ways to cure a push in golf is to focus on achieving an inside-out swing path. A push occurs when the ball starts right of the target (for right-handed golfers) and continues to move right with little to no curve back toward the target. This is often caused by an over-the-top move, where the club approaches the ball from outside the target line, leading to a steep, out-to-in swing path. To fix this, start by ensuring your backswing stays on plane. A common mistake is allowing the club to lift too steeply or veer outside the ideal swing plane, which sets up the over-the-top move. Focus on keeping the clubhead close to your body and maintaining a shallow, one-piece takeaway. This helps position the club in a way that promotes an inside-out swing path on the downswing.
To reinforce an inside-out swing path, visualize the club moving along the correct plane from the start of your backswing to the finish of your follow-through. A useful drill is to place a towel or alignment stick on the ground to represent your swing plane. Practice your backswing, ensuring the clubhead stays in contact with or just above the towel. This tactile feedback helps you avoid the over-the-top move and encourages a more compact, controlled swing. Additionally, focus on rotating your body rather than just using your arms to lift the club. A proper body turn keeps the club on plane and sets the stage for a powerful, accurate downswing.
Another key aspect of fixing your swing path is avoiding the urge to "hit" the ball too hard. Many golfers who push the ball tend to overuse their hands and arms, leading to an over-the-top motion. Instead, focus on using your lower body to initiate the downswing. Start by shifting your weight to your lead foot while rotating your hips toward the target. This sequence allows the club to drop into the correct inside path naturally. Keep your hands passive during this transition, letting the clubhead lag slightly behind to ensure a smooth, controlled release.
A common mistake to avoid is letting your upper body get ahead of your lower body during the downswing. This often results in an over-the-top move and a push. To prevent this, maintain a steady tempo and focus on keeping your chest behind the ball as long as possible. A drill to reinforce this is the "pause at the top" drill. After reaching the top of your backswing, pause for a moment, then start the downswing by leading with your hips. This helps synchronize your body movements and ensures the club approaches the ball from the inside.
Finally, practice with purpose by incorporating drills that specifically target an inside-out swing path. One effective drill is the "wall drill." Stand with your back against a wall, ensuring your body is in a good setup position. Make slow, controlled backswings and downswings while maintaining contact with the wall. This drill promotes proper body rotation and prevents the club from getting too steep or outside the ideal plane. Consistent practice of these techniques will help you eliminate the over-the-top move, achieve an inside-out swing path, and cure your push for good.
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Weight Shift: Lead with hip turn on downswing to shift weight right (for righties), promoting straighter shots
One of the most effective ways to cure a push in golf is to focus on your weight shift during the downswing, specifically leading with your hip turn to shift your weight to the right (for right-handed golfers). A push occurs when the ball travels right of the target (for righties) due to an outside-in swing path or an open face at impact. By emphasizing a proper weight shift, you can promote a more in-to-out swing path and a square clubface, resulting in straighter shots. Start by ensuring your setup is correct: feet, hips, and shoulders aligned parallel to the target line, with a slight tilt of your spine away from the target. This setup encourages a natural weight shift to the right during the backswing.
During the downswing, the key is to initiate the movement with your lower body, particularly your hips. As you begin the downswing, focus on turning your hips toward the target while keeping your upper body slightly restrained. This hip turn should feel deliberate and powerful, as it drives the weight shift to your right side. A common mistake is to lead with the arms or upper body, which can cause an over-the-top move and exacerbate the push. Instead, visualize your belt buckle moving toward the target as you start down, ensuring your lower body takes the lead.
To enhance this weight shift, practice the "bump and turn" drill. From your backswing position, bump your hips laterally toward the target while turning them open to the target line. This motion mimics the proper sequencing of the downswing and reinforces the feeling of shifting your weight to the right. Pair this drill with slow-motion swings, focusing on maintaining the weight shift until after impact. This will help you avoid rushing back to your left side too early, which can lead to a push.
Another critical aspect of this weight shift is maintaining a stable upper body. As your hips turn and shift your weight, your chest should remain relatively closed, facing slightly away from the target. This prevents the club from coming over the top and encourages a path that is more in line with the target. A useful cue is to keep your back shoulder down and away from your chin as you turn your hips, ensuring your upper body doesn’t dominate the downswing.
Finally, incorporate feedback mechanisms to ensure you’re executing the weight shift correctly. Use alignment sticks or a mirror to check your hip and shoulder positions at various points in the swing. You can also place a towel or headcover under your right armpit (for righties) to ensure your upper body doesn’t lunge forward, disrupting the weight shift. Consistent practice of this weight shift technique will not only cure your push but also improve your overall swing mechanics, leading to more consistent and accurate ball striking.
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Clubface Control: Practice drills like face tape to ensure square clubface contact through the hitting zone
One of the most effective ways to cure a push in golf is to focus on clubface control, ensuring the face remains square to the target through the hitting zone. A common issue with pushing the ball is an open clubface at impact, causing the ball to start right of the target (for right-handed golfers). To address this, face tape drills are highly recommended. Start by placing a strip of lead tape vertically on the clubface, centered from top to bottom. This tape helps you feel where the clubface is pointing at impact. The goal is to strike the ball so that the tape makes solid contact, indicating a square clubface. Practice this drill with short irons first, focusing on maintaining a square face through the hitting zone.
Another effective drill for clubface control is the mirror drill. Set up in front of a mirror or reflective surface with your club in the address position. Slowly practice your takeaway and backswing, ensuring the clubface remains square to the target. As you transition into the downswing, focus on returning the clubface to the same square position at impact. The mirror provides instant feedback, allowing you to make real-time adjustments. Combine this drill with face tape for a more comprehensive understanding of how the clubface behaves throughout the swing.
To further enhance clubface control, incorporate the gate drill using alignment sticks or tees. Place two sticks in the ground just outside the toe and heel of the clubhead at address, creating a "gate." The goal is to swing the club through the gate at impact without touching the sticks. This drill forces you to focus on delivering the clubface squarely to the ball while avoiding an open or closed face. Start with slower swings and gradually increase speed as you gain control. Pairing this drill with face tape amplifies its effectiveness by providing tactile feedback.
Finally, video analysis can be a game-changer for mastering clubface control. Record your swings from a face-on angle, focusing on the clubface at impact. Compare your footage to that of professional golfers, noting how their clubface remains square through the hitting zone. Use face tape during these sessions to correlate the feel of a square clubface with the visual evidence. Regularly reviewing your swings will help you identify and correct any tendencies to open the face, ultimately curing your push.
In summary, curing a push in golf requires deliberate focus on clubface control. Drills like face tape, the mirror drill, the gate drill, and video analysis provide structured ways to ensure the clubface remains square at impact. Consistency in practicing these drills will not only eliminate the push but also improve overall ball striking and shot accuracy.
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Frequently asked questions
A push occurs when the ball starts right of the target (for right-handed golfers) and continues straight without curving. It’s often caused by an open clubface at impact or an outside-to-inside swing path. Check your ball flight and divot pattern to diagnose the issue.
Focus on keeping the clubface square to the target at impact. Practice drills like the "face-first" drill, where you start with the clubface on the ball and rotate your hands to square it before swinging. Strengthening your grip slightly can also help close the face.
Work on a more inside-to-out swing path. Start by aligning your body slightly to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers) and focus on turning your hips fully in the downswing. This helps deliver the clubhead from the inside, reducing the push.
Yes, try the "alignment stick drill." Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing to the right of your target (for right-handed golfers). Practice swinging so the clubhead stays on the inside of the stick on the downswing, promoting a better path.
A poor setup, such as aligning too far left or having an overly weak grip, can lead to a push. Ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line, and check your grip to make sure it’s neutral or slightly stronger. Proper alignment and grip are key to preventing pushes.
