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How to Stop Pushing The Golf Ball: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Common Faults & Fixes


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Quick Answer

  • Get your clubface square at impact. That’s key.
  • Work on a swing path that’s more neutral or from the inside.
  • Check your grip and aim. These are usually the main culprits.

Who This Is For

  • Anyone who’s tired of seeing their ball veer off to the right, like it’s got a mind of its own.
  • Golfers looking to get more consistent and hit it closer to the pin.

What To Check First

  • Your Grip: Take a good look at your hands. If your left hand (for righties) is turned way too far clockwise, that’s a strong grip, and it can cause problems.
  • Your Aim: Seriously, check your alignment. Are your feet, hips, and shoulders aimed where you want the ball to go? Many folks aim left to avoid a slice and end up pushing it.
  • Ball Position: Is the ball sitting too far forward in your stance? This can mess with your swing path and lead to a push.
  • Swing Path: Just visualize it: you want the club coming from inside the target line on your downswing.

Step-by-Step Plan to Stop Pushing the Golf Ball

1. Assess Your Grip:

  • Action: Grab your club like you normally would.
  • What to look for: For right-handed golfers, can you see three knuckles on your left hand? If so, your grip is likely too strong. Your right hand shouldn’t be cranked way over either.
  • Mistake to avoid: Just assuming your grip is fine. A quick glance can save you a lot of headaches.

2. Adjust Grip Strength:

  • Action: Dial your grip back a bit.
  • What to look for: Rotate your left hand a little counter-clockwise. Do the same for your right hand, turning it slightly more to the left. You should see about two to two-and-a-half knuckles on your left hand.
  • Mistake to avoid: Going too far the other way. You still need control, so don’t make it too weak.

3. Verify Alignment:

  • Action: Get into your setup position.
  • What to look for: Are your feet, hips, and shoulders lined up parallel to your target line? Is the clubface pointing straight at the flag?
  • Mistake to avoid: Aiming left to “fix” a perceived slice. This often forces an out-to-in swing, which is a push waiting to happen.

4. Square Up Your Alignment:

  • Action: Make the necessary adjustments to your stance and clubface.
  • What to look for: Point that clubface right at your target. Then, line up your body parallel to that line. Simple, right?
  • Mistake to avoid: Trusting your gut over actual aim. It’s super easy to aim left without even realizing it.

5. Focus on Swing Path:

  • Action: Take some practice swings, feeling the motion.
  • What to look for: Imagine the clubhead swinging from the inside of the target line, releasing through the ball. Aim for a neutral or slightly in-to-out path.
  • Mistake to avoid: Swinging across the ball (out-to-in). This is a classic move that sends the ball flying right.

6. Practice the Release:

  • Action: Make swings, concentrating on a natural release through impact.
  • What to look for: Feel your wrists unhinge smoothly as you hit the ball. The clubface should feel square.
  • Mistake to avoid: Trying to “hold off” the release. This manipulation often leads to a shaky clubface and a push or block.

7. Check Ball Position:

  • Action: Place the ball in your stance for different clubs.
  • What to look for: For the driver, it’s off your lead heel. For irons, it moves closer to the center as the club gets shorter. Playing it too far forward can cause issues.
  • Mistake to avoid: Consistently playing the ball too far forward, especially with your irons. It’s a subtle change that makes a big difference.

Common Mistakes When Trying to Stop Pushing the Golf Ball

  • Mistake: Maintaining an overly strong grip.
  • Why it matters: This tends to close the clubface too early. When combined with an out-to-in swing path, it’s a recipe for a push.
  • Fix: Weaken your grip. Rotate your hands counter-clockwise (for righties) until you see fewer knuckles.
  • Mistake: Aiming left of the target.
  • Why it matters: This forces you to swing across the ball to get back to the target, creating an out-to-in path that directly causes a push.
  • Fix: Align your body and clubface directly at your intended target. Use alignment sticks on the range if you need to be sure.
  • Mistake: Trying to “hold off” the release.
  • Why it matters: This leads to manipulating your hands, which kills consistency and often results in an open or closed clubface, causing a push or block.
  • Fix: Focus on a natural, free release through impact. Let your body rotation guide the club.
  • Mistake: Swinging across the ball (out-to-in).
  • Why it matters: This is the main swing path issue. When the clubface is square or closed, this path sends the ball straight right.
  • Fix: Practice drills that encourage an inside-to-out path. Try placing a headcover just outside the ball and swing to avoid hitting it.
  • Mistake: Ball too far forward in stance.
  • Why it matters: It can force you to cut across the ball, leading to that dreaded out-to-in path and a push.
  • Fix: Adjust your ball position back in your stance. This is especially important with your irons.

FAQ

  • What is a “push” in golf?

A push is a shot that starts right of your target and continues to move right, or stays straight right. For lefties, it starts left and moves left. It’s different from a slice, which curves back towards the target.

  • How does grip affect a golf ball push?

A strong grip (hands rotated too far clockwise for righties) can cause the clubface to close prematurely. If your swing path is also out-to-in, this combination often results in a push.

  • Can ball position cause a push?

Absolutely. If the ball is too far forward in your stance, it can encourage you to swing across the ball, leading to an out-to-in path and a push.

  • What’s the difference between a push and a slice?

A push starts right of the target and stays right or moves further right. A slice also starts right (for righties) but curves significantly back towards the target line.

  • How can I practice fixing a push?

Focus on alignment drills, practice swinging from the inside, and work on a neutral grip. Using alignment sticks on the range is a great starting point.

  • Should I focus on clubface or swing path first?

Both are crucial, but start by checking your grip and alignment. These are usually the easiest fixes and can have a big impact on both your clubface and swing path. Fixing these often solves the path issue too.

  • My push is really bad. Is there a quick fix?

While there’s no magic bullet, the quickest way to see improvement is to focus on your alignment and grip. Get those dialed in, and you’ll likely see a big difference on the course. I always tell my buddies, “Check the basics first, always.”

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