Trevor Ng
A push shot in golf is when the ball starts on the right side of the fairway or green and stays on that path. It is different from a slice, which starts straight and then veers right. Push shots are often the result of alignment issues, such as ball position that is too far back towards the right foot, or hips sliding forward and blocking the shot. Golfers can fix push shots by adjusting their alignment, ensuring their aim is square to the target, and evaluating their swing path.
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What You'll Learn
Hips sliding forward
Pushing the ball right of the target line is a common issue in golf, resulting in what is known as a "blocked shot". This can be frustrating for golfers as it negatively impacts their score.
One of the main causes of this issue is the hips sliding forward, which leads to the golfer "blocking" the shot. To correct this, it is recommended to record your swing and take note of your feet, hips, and shoulder alignment. Alignment rods can then be used to set up squarely to the target.
It is important to evaluate your alignment and ball position before making any swing changes. By doing so, you can ensure that the basics of your golf swing are not causing inconsistent results. A common mistake is having the ball positioned too far back toward your right foot in your stance, which can contribute to pushing the ball to the right.
In addition to alignment and ball position, there are other factors that can contribute to blocked shots. These include the path of your swing, with the ball starting and staying to the right due to an issue with the swing arc. Analyzing your shots correctly is crucial to finding the right solution and improving your swing path.
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Incorrect alignment
To correct incorrect alignment, it is recommended to start by evaluating your alignment and ball position, rather than making changes to your swing. Recording your swing and notating the alignment of your feet, hips, and shoulders can help you identify any issues. Alignment rods can then be used to set up squarely to the target.
If your alignment is correct and you are still pushing the ball to the right, the issue may lie in your ball position. A ball position that is too far back towards your right foot in your stance can cause push shots.
Additionally, pushing the ball to the right can also be caused by the hips sliding forward and "blocking" the shot. This can result in consistent misses to the right of the target, making it challenging to score well.
By addressing alignment issues and ensuring a proper ball position, golfers can improve their swing path and start hitting the ball straighter, reducing the occurrence of push shots.
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$249
Incorrect ball position
For mid-irons, the ball is typically played from the middle of the stance, which allows for more precision, control, balance, and consistency. Longer irons, such as 3- or 4-irons, can have the ball positioned slightly forward in the stance, towards the front foot, for a higher launch and longer carry. The ball position for short irons or wedges is typically just behind the center of the stance.
If the ball position is too far forward, the angle of attack will likely be positive, adding loft to the club at impact and resulting in a high, spinning shot. This can also cause the clubface angle to be pointed left at impact for right-handed golfers, causing the ball to start right of the target. Conversely, if the ball position is too far back, the clubface angle will be too far to the right, making it difficult to start the ball to the right of the target.
To optimize the ball flight for each club, the ball position should also move closer or further away from the body. Each club has a different length, so the ball position should be adjusted accordingly. For example, the longest club, the driver, should be played just inside the front foot or opposite the left big toe for right-handed golfers. This allows the player to sweep the ball away rather than hitting down on it.
Finding the correct ball position can be a matter of experimentation for golfers as their skills improve. The key is to find a ball position that consistently produces the desired shot shape and trajectory. When putting, golfers should determine which ball position feels optimal for them, as it is highly individual and can depend on whether they are left or right-eye dominant.
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Incorrect swing arc
The swing arc is a crucial aspect of a golfer's technique, and an incorrect swing arc can lead to a push shot. A push shot is when the ball is hit to the right of the target.
The swing arc is the direction of the club during the swing, and the lowest part of the swing is the bottom of the arc. It is important to understand the swing arc to improve ball-striking consistency and enhance compression at contact. The location of the lowest point of the swing arc is critical. If the clubface lands in the wrong place in relation to the ball, the shot can be severely mishit.
To find the bottom of the arc, golfers can make practice swings, trying to "bruise" the ground without digging. The common area where the club touches down is the base of the arc. This can be used as a reference for ball position. It is important to note that the low point position and swing arc height must be matching variables. A shift in the swing arc forward or backward requires a corresponding change in arc height.
If the bottom of the arc is behind the ball instead of ahead of it, the ball will likely be hit to the right. This can be caused by a poor weight transfer, with the golfer hitting off their right foot. To correct this, golfers should focus on shifting their weight correctly on the downswing, ensuring their right knee is pointing toward the ball at impact.
Additionally, the timing of when the ball is struck within the swing arc can affect the outcome. Hitting the ball later in the swing arc can result in a more positive angle of attack, with the club swinging upwards more. This can also lead to a more closed face angle and a more closed face-to-path relationship. Conversely, hitting the ball earlier in the swing arc can result in a more open clubface and a club path that is more to the right.
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Incorrect aim
There are several reasons why incorrect aim may be causing your push shots. One possibility is that your hips are sliding forward, blocking the shot. This can be addressed by evaluating your alignment and ensuring that your feet, hips, and shoulders are positioned correctly in relation to the target. Alignment rods can be useful in achieving a square setup to the target.
Another factor to consider is ball position. If the ball is too far back towards your right foot in your stance, it can contribute to push shots. Adjusting your ball position can help correct your aim and improve the accuracy of your shots.
It's important to distinguish between a push shot and a slice. While both can result in the ball veering to the right, a slice initially starts straight at the intended target before leaking right. Understanding the difference between these two types of shots is crucial for finding the right solution and improving your swing path.
By focusing on correct alignment, ball position, and understanding the characteristics of a push shot, you can make significant improvements and reduce the occurrence of incorrect aim pushing the ball right of the target.
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Frequently asked questions
A push in golf is when the ball starts right of the target and stays to the right throughout its flight path. It is also referred to as a blocked shot.
A push in golf can be caused by a variety of factors, including alignment issues, ball position, and hip movement.
To fix a push in golf, you should first evaluate your alignment and ball position. Use alignment rods to set up squarely to the target and ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned correctly. You may also need to adjust your swing path and ensure you are not blocking the shot with your hips.
