Nina Caldwell
A push fade in golf is a shot that starts right of the target and keeps moving in that direction. It is caused by the clubface being left open at impact, which sends the ball off to the right for a right-handed golfer. To fix a push fade, you need to work on closing the clubface at impact. This can be achieved by trying a drill where you half-swing with just your left arm, which promotes getting the club in the right position. Another drill is to focus on releasing the club sooner in your downswing.
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What You'll Learn
Ensure your club face is closed, not open, at impact
To fix a push fade in golf, it is important to ensure your clubface is closed, not open, at impact. The clubface position at impact is the most important factor in determining the initial direction of the ball. A square clubface at impact will send the ball straight, an open clubface will send it to the right, and a closed clubface will send it to the left.
To ensure a closed clubface at impact, the correct setup is crucial. For a closed clubface, grasp the club with the clubface already pointing in the direction of the target line. This way, your grip strength will remain consistent throughout the swing. By pointing to the left of the target line, a closed clubface will initially direct the ball to the left.
It is important to be mindful of the ball's position in relation to your stance. If the ball is too far back or too far forward in your stance, it can affect the angle of the clubface at impact. A low and slow takeaway can help ensure the clubface is rotating correctly to stay square at impact.
Additionally, wrist mechanics play a significant role in controlling the clubface. The wrist angle, particularly flexion and extension, will open and close the clubface. Experimenting with different grips can help determine if a strong or weak grip improves your wrist control over the clubface. The HackMotion Motorcycle Drill is a great drill to improve wrist flexion and ensure a closed clubface at impact.
By focusing on setup, ball position, wrist mechanics, and grip strength, you can ensure a closed clubface at impact, helping to fix a push fade in your golf swing.
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Check your ball position and grip
To fix a push fade in golf, it is important to check your ball position and grip. The clubface angle at impact determines the starting direction of the golf ball, and the resulting curve reflects the difference between your swing path and face angle at impact. A fade in golf happens when the clubface angle is slightly open to the swing path at impact. To fix this, you can make some adjustments to your ball position and grip.
Firstly, you can try moving your ball slightly forward, which can help promote a more left-to-right ball flight and a higher fade shot. This is a subtle adjustment, as moving the ball too far forward can lead to inconsistency in your ball striking. Alignment sticks can be used to check your ball position and ensure you are forward of the centre.
Secondly, you should ensure your grip is correct. A poor grip can prevent you from hitting the desired shot, even if the rest of your technique is correct. Your grip should be slightly weaker than normal, with your top hand (left hand for right-handers) rotated a little counterclockwise. You should see two knuckles on your top hand at address, rather than three. You can also try holding the club a little more in the palm of your top hand, rather than the fingers. Your bottom hand should rotate slightly in the same direction as your top hand, but be careful not to take this too far and open the club on your takeaway.
Finally, when working on your grip, it is important to remember that subtle changes are best. You do not want to completely change your standard grip, so only make slight adjustments that you can rely on when needed.
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Try a shorter, more controlled backswing
If you're struggling with a push fade in golf, one possible solution is to try a shorter, more controlled backswing. This technique can help you gain better control over the clubface, which is crucial in managing the direction of your shots. Here's a detailed guide on how to implement this strategy:
Understanding the Issue
Before attempting any correction, it's essential to understand why a shorter, more controlled backswing can help fix a push fade. A push fade is when the ball starts towards the right half of the fairway and then fades further right, ending in the rough. This is often caused by an in-to-out swing path, which is a common correction for a slice. However, if the clubface is still open at impact, the ball will continue to fade to the right.
Implementing the Shorter Backswing
To execute a shorter, more controlled backswing, you'll want to focus on two key aspects: the length of your backswing and the control of your clubface. First, try shortening your backswing by a few inches. This will help you gain a better feel for the impact position and improve your overall control. Additionally, focus on keeping your clubface slightly closed during the backswing. This will help you achieve a more controlled release during the downswing.
Drills and Practice
To master the shorter, more controlled backswing, it's essential to practice regularly. One effective drill is to exaggerate the clubface closure during your setup. Position yourself as you normally would, but bring the toe of the club closer to your body, almost as if you're trying to hook the ball. This drill will help you learn to close the clubface, counteracting the push fade. Practice this drill with 5 to 10 swings on the range, observing the impact on your ball's direction.
Adjustments and Fine-Tuning
As you practice the shorter, more controlled backswing, pay close attention to your ball's flight path. If you're still experiencing a push fade, it may be necessary to adjust your downswing. Focus on releasing the club sooner during the downswing to ensure the clubface is closed at impact. This adjustment will help eliminate the fade. Additionally, work on keeping your shoulders closed during the downswing to prevent the club from coming over the top of the swing plane, which can contribute to an outside-in swing path.
Patience and Consistency
Fixing a push fade requires patience and consistent practice. Remember that golf is a game of small adjustments, and perfecting your swing takes time. Continue to focus on controlling the clubface and refining your backswing and downswing techniques. With dedication and persistence, you'll see improvements in your ball striking and overall accuracy.
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Focus on posture and tempo
To fix a push fade in golf, it is important to focus on posture and tempo. A push fade is a golf shot where the ball starts to the right of the target and then curves slightly further to the right. This is distinct from a slice, where the ball starts to the right but stays straight, and a fade, where the ball moves slightly from left to right.
Posture is key to executing a successful golf swing. A poor posture can result in an early extension, where the hips move ahead of the hands, causing the ball to veer off to the right. To correct this, focus on maintaining a stable posture throughout the swing, with your hips and hands working in sync.
Tempo, or the timing and rhythm of your swing, is also crucial. A rushed or inconsistent tempo can lead to poor posture and an early extension, resulting in a push fade. Practice a smooth and controlled swing tempo, ensuring your body and club work in harmony. Drills such as the Tempo Grip Trainer can help improve your tempo and grip simultaneously.
Additionally, be mindful of your setup, which includes your posture, grip, and alignment. A proper setup is fundamental to executing an effective swing. Ensure your grip is firm and aligned with the target, and your body is positioned squarely towards the intended target. Recording your swing can help identify any issues with your setup, allowing you to make adjustments for improved accuracy and ball flight.
By focusing on posture and tempo, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of push fades in your golf game, leading to more accurate and consistent shots.
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Practice drills to improve alignment
To improve alignment and fix a push fade in golf, there are several practice drills and techniques that can help. Here are some detailed instructions and a step-by-step guide to the drills:
Alignment Stick Extension Drill:
This drill helps improve alignment and ensures that your clubface is squared up. Place two alignment sticks on the ground, forming a "T" shape, with one stick pointing towards the target and the other perpendicular to it. Position yourself so that the stick on the ground is between your feet, and the other stick is running along your feet's insteps. The drill helps you focus on aligning your body correctly in relation to the target line.
Headcover Path Drill:
Place a headcover or a small towel on the ground, just behind your ball, and align it with the target. Take your normal stance, ensuring that your clubhead passes through the headcover or towel as you make your backswing. This drill helps you visualise and practice the correct swing path, ensuring that your clubhead follows the desired path.
Motorcycle Drill:
This drill helps you square the clubface during the downswing. Set up as you would normally to address the ball. As you begin your downswing, gradually add wrist flexion. By the time your club is parallel to the ground, you should have achieved your desired wrist bend. Maintain this flexion into impact and then release it naturally as you follow through.
Half Swing Drill:
For right-handed players, practice half swings using only your left arm. This drill promotes getting the club in the correct position and improves alignment.
Grip and Ball Position Checks:
Ensure your grip isn't too weak, as this can cause the clubface to remain open at impact. Check the "V" shape between your thumb and forefinger; it should not point towards your lead shoulder. Also, make sure the ball position isn't too far back, as this can make it challenging to square the face before contact.
Controlled Backswing:
When struggling with face control, consider taking a shorter and more controlled backswing. This can help you manage the clubface orientation and prevent an open face at impact, turning your fade into a draw.
Remember, fixing a push fade involves understanding the underlying causes, which can vary from person to person. These drills provide a solid framework for improving alignment and addressing common issues, but feel free to adapt them to your specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
A push fade is caused by the club face being open at impact. This means that the clubface is pointing slightly to the right when it hits the ball, causing the ball to move in that direction.
Try turning your hands so that the club face is closed. You can test this by taking 5 or 10 swings and observing whether the ball still moves to the right. If it does, try releasing the club sooner in your downswing.
One drill is to half-swing with just your left arm, which promotes getting the club in the correct position. You can also try the drill of setting up with the toe leading, and coming in with the toe leading, to learn how to hook the ball.
Your push fade could be caused by a number of factors, including ball position, grip strength, posture, or aim. Check that the 'v' formed by your thumb and first finger on your left hand is pointing to your right ear.
A straight shot to the right is caused by the club face, whereas a shot that starts straight and then curves to the right is caused by the swing path.
