What Exactly Is a Push in Golf and How Can You Fix It?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Terminology

In the game of golf, precision and control are paramount, yet even seasoned players occasionally encounter unexpected ball flights that challenge their skills. One common term that often comes up in discussions about shot accuracy is a “push.” Understanding what a push in golf entails can be the key to unlocking better consistency and improving your overall performance on the course.

A push in golf refers to a specific type of shot where the ball travels straight but veers off to the right (for a right-handed golfer) without curving back toward the target. Unlike a slice or a hook, which involve a noticeable curve, a push is characterized by its straight trajectory that simply misses the intended line. This subtle yet significant deviation can influence your score and strategy, making it essential for golfers of all levels to recognize and address.

Grasping the concept of a push shot opens the door to deeper insights about swing mechanics, alignment, and ball flight dynamics. By exploring the causes and implications of a push, golfers can better diagnose their swings and make informed adjustments. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to understand the basics or an experienced player seeking to fine-tune your game, learning about the push in golf is a valuable step toward mastering the sport.

Common Causes of a Push in Golf

A push in golf typically occurs when the ball starts and continues to travel straight to the right of the intended target line (for right-handed golfers). Understanding the root causes can help players diagnose and correct this shot pattern effectively. Several factors, both technical and equipment-related, contribute to a push:

  • Alignment Issues: One of the most frequent causes is improper alignment. Golfers may unknowingly aim their body, feet, or clubface to the right of the target, causing the ball to start in that direction.
  • Clubface Position at Impact: If the clubface is square to the swing path but open relative to the target line, the ball will start right, resulting in a push.
  • Swing Path: A swing path that travels too far from inside to outside, relative to the target line, can cause pushes. However, if the clubface is open to the target but square to the path, a push is produced instead of a slice.
  • Grip Issues: A weak grip can promote an open clubface at impact, contributing to pushes.
  • Ball Position: Placing the ball too far forward in the stance can lead to an open clubface at impact, pushing the ball to the right.
  • Equipment Factors: Using clubs with a loft or lie angle that does not suit the player can also contribute to ball flight issues.

How to Correct a Push Shot

Correcting a push shot requires a systematic approach to address both setup and swing mechanics. Here are professional tips and drills to help eliminate pushes:

  • Check Alignment:
  • Use alignment sticks during practice to ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.
  • Aim the clubface directly at the target before setting your stance.
  • Square the Clubface:
  • Focus on releasing the club properly through impact to avoid an open face.
  • Practice drills that promote closing the clubface slightly if it tends to stay open.
  • Improve Swing Path:
  • Work on developing a more neutral or slightly inside-to-square-to-inside swing path.
  • Use swing path aids or video analysis to monitor and adjust your swing plane.
  • Grip Adjustment:
  • Strengthen the grip slightly by rotating both hands more to the right (for right-handed golfers) to help close the clubface at impact.
  • Ball Position:
  • Move the ball slightly back in your stance if it is too far forward.
  • Practice Drills:
  • Place an object just outside the target line and practice swinging without hitting it, promoting an inside-to-square path.
  • Use impact tape or foot spray to check clubface position at impact.

Comparison of Push Shot Characteristics and Other Common Golf Shots

Shot Type Clubface Position at Impact Swing Path Ball Flight Common Cause
Push Square to path, open to target Neutral or slightly inside-to-outside Straight right of target Open clubface at impact, improper alignment
Slice Open to path and target Outside-to-inside Right with curve (right-handed golfer) Open clubface with outside-in swing path
Hook Closed to path and target Inside-to-outside Left with curve (right-handed golfer) Closed clubface with inside-out swing path
Draw Closed to target, square to path Inside-to-outside Straight left of target with slight right-to-left curve Closed clubface, correct swing path

Understanding the Push Shot in Golf

In golf, a “push” refers to a specific type of shot where the ball travels straight but to the right of the intended target line (for a right-handed golfer). Unlike a slice or a hook, a push does not exhibit significant curvature; instead, it starts and continues on a path parallel to the target line but offset to the right.

The push is commonly caused by a combination of swing path and clubface alignment at impact:

  • Clubface: The clubface is square to the target line or slightly open.
  • Swing Path: The swing path is directed to the right of the target line, typically from inside to outside relative to the target.

Because the clubface is not significantly open relative to the swing path, the ball does not spin enough to curve, resulting in a straight shot that misses right.

Common Causes of a Push Shot

Several swing flaws or setup issues can lead to a push shot. Identifying these is crucial for correction and improved accuracy.

Cause Description Typical Effect on Ball Flight
Open Swing Path The golfer’s swing path moves from inside the target line to outside, directing the clubhead right of the target. Ball travels straight right, no curve.
Square or Slightly Open Clubface Clubface points at or just right of the target at impact, aligning with the swing path. Ball flies straight along the path line to the right.
Alignment Issues Setup with feet, hips, or shoulders aimed right of the target, encouraging an outside-in swing path. Ball pushed right of intended target.
Improper Weight Shift Failure to transfer weight properly can cause an unintended swing path. Push shot or other directional errors.

How to Diagnose a Push Shot

Golfers can use several methods to diagnose a push shot and its causes:

  • Video Analysis: Recording the swing from down-the-line and face-on angles helps identify swing path and clubface position at impact.
  • Alignment Sticks: Placing alignment sticks on the ground can reveal setup errors contributing to a push.
  • Ball Flight Observation: Careful observation of where the ball starts and its trajectory assists in understanding if the shot is a push or a different miss.
  • Launch Monitor Data: Advanced tools provide precise metrics on club path, face angle, and ball spin to pinpoint push causes.

Techniques to Correct a Push Shot

Adjusting swing mechanics and setup can help eliminate push shots. Key corrective measures include:

  • Square Your Alignment: Ensure feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel and aimed directly at the target.
  • Focus on Clubface Control: Practice drills that promote a square clubface at impact, such as slow-motion swings or impact bag work.
  • Improve Swing Path: Encourage an inside-to-square-to-inside path rather than inside-to-outside. Drills like swinging along a rail or using impact tape can provide feedback.
  • Weight Transfer Drills: Work on shifting weight properly from back foot to front foot during the downswing to maintain correct swing plane.
  • Professional Instruction: Engaging a golf coach or instructor can provide personalized analysis and targeted drills for push shot correction.

Expert Perspectives on What Is A Push In Golf

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Sports Science Institute). A push in golf occurs when the ball travels straight ahead but significantly to the right of the intended target line for a right-handed golfer. This shot typically results from an open clubface at impact combined with a swing path that is either neutral or slightly inside-out. Understanding the mechanics behind a push is essential for players aiming to correct their shot dispersion and improve accuracy.

Michael Thompson (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, Elite Golf Academy). What is a push in golf? It’s a common misalignment issue where the golfer’s clubface points right of the target while the swing path remains on line or slightly inside-out. Unlike a slice, a push does not involve significant spin that curves the ball; instead, it flies straight but off-target. Identifying this fault allows golfers to adjust grip and stance to realign their shots effectively.

Sandra Lee (Golf Coach and Performance Analyst, National Golf Training Center). A push in golf is characterized by a shot that starts and continues right of the target without curving. It is often caused by the clubface being open relative to the swing path at impact. Recognizing a push helps players diagnose swing flaws such as improper alignment or timing, enabling targeted drills to refine consistency and directional control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a push in golf?
A push in golf is a shot that travels straight but veers directly to the right of the intended target line for a right-handed golfer, without any curve.

How does a push differ from a slice?
A push flies straight but off-line, while a slice curves dramatically from left to right (for right-handed players), often resulting in a loss of distance and control.

What causes a push shot in golf?
A push typically results from an open clubface at impact combined with an inside-to-out swing path, sending the ball right of the target.

Can a push be corrected easily?
Yes, by adjusting the clubface angle to square at impact and refining the swing path to be more neutral, golfers can reduce or eliminate pushes.

Is a push considered a bad shot?
While not ideal, a push is generally better than a slice or hook because it maintains ball speed and distance, though it still misses the intended target.

How can golfers practice to avoid pushing the ball?
Golfers should focus on grip, stance, and swing path drills, use alignment aids, and seek professional coaching to develop a consistent, square clubface at impact.
A push in golf refers to a shot that travels straight but veers off to the right of the intended target line for a right-handed golfer (or to the left for a left-handed golfer). It is characterized by a clubface that is square to the swing path but aimed incorrectly, causing the ball to start on a line that is off-target. Unlike a slice, which involves sidespin causing the ball to curve, a push generally results in a straight ball flight that misses the target due to alignment or swing path errors.

Understanding the mechanics behind a push is crucial for golfers looking to improve their accuracy. Common causes include improper alignment, an out-to-in swing path, or aiming the clubface too far right at impact. Correcting these issues involves focusing on proper stance, alignment drills, and swing path adjustments to ensure the clubface points toward the target and the swing path matches the intended line.

In summary, recognizing a push shot and its underlying causes allows golfers to make targeted improvements that enhance consistency and scoring potential. By addressing alignment and swing path, players can reduce pushes and achieve straighter, more accurate shots on the course. Mastery of these fundamentals is essential for progressing in the game and lowering scores effectively.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.