How Can You Fix a Push in Golf?
If you’ve ever watched your golf ball veer sharply to the right (for right-handed players) right off the tee or fairway, you’ve experienced what’s commonly known as a “push.” This frustrating shot can derail your game, leaving you searching for answers on how to regain control and consistency. Understanding how to fix a push in golf is essential for players looking to improve accuracy and lower their scores.
A push occurs when the ball starts straight but travels directly to the right of the target line, missing the desired landing area. While it might seem like a minor issue, repeated pushes can lead to lost strokes and diminished confidence on the course. Many golfers struggle with this problem, but the good news is that it often stems from fixable swing mechanics or setup errors.
Before diving into specific techniques and drills, it’s important to grasp the underlying causes of a push shot and how subtle adjustments can make a significant difference. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, addressing this common challenge can unlock more consistent, enjoyable rounds and help you play your best golf.
Adjusting Your Setup to Correct a Push
One of the primary causes of a push in golf is an improper setup. If your stance or alignment is off, the clubface can easily be directed right of the target line, resulting in a push shot. To correct this, start by checking your feet, hips, and shoulders to ensure they are all aligned parallel to the target line. This alignment encourages an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path, which is ideal for straight shots.
Focus on the following setup elements:
- Feet Position: Your feet should be shoulder-width apart with toes pointing slightly outward for stability.
- Shoulder Alignment: Shoulders should be parallel to your feet and the target line.
- Ball Position: Position the ball just forward of center for irons and more forward in your stance for longer clubs, encouraging a proper swing path.
- Weight Distribution: Maintain balanced weight across both feet, slightly favoring the balls of your feet to facilitate a fluid swing.
By ensuring a proper setup, you reduce the chance of an out-to-in swing path, which often causes pushes.
Correcting Clubface Position at Impact
The clubface angle at impact plays a crucial role in shot direction. A clubface that is open relative to the swing path will cause the ball to push right. To fix this, work on squaring the clubface at impact.
Key points to consider:
- Grip Pressure: A grip that is too weak can cause the clubface to open at impact. Strengthen your grip slightly by rotating your hands clockwise (for right-handed golfers).
- Wrist Position: Maintain a firm but flexible wrist through impact to control clubface orientation. Avoid flipping the wrists early, which opens the face.
- Drills for Clubface Control: Practice slow-motion swings focusing on the sensation of a square clubface at impact. Use impact tape or spray to verify the contact point and face alignment.
Improving clubface control will help prevent the ball from pushing and promote straighter shots.
Improving Swing Path to Avoid Pushing
A common cause of push shots is an out-to-in (or “over the top”) swing path, where the club moves across the ball from outside the target line to inside. This path, combined with a square or slightly open clubface, produces a push. To correct your swing path:
- Focus on an Inside-Out Path: Try to feel the clubhead approaching the ball from inside the target line, moving slightly outward through impact.
- Use Alignment Aids: Lay clubs or alignment sticks on the ground to visually guide your swing path.
- Swing Plane Drills: Practice swings with a training aid or under the guidance of a coach to groove the correct plane.
- Body Rotation: Proper hip and shoulder rotation encourages an inside path and prevents coming over the top.
Common Causes of Push Shots and How to Address Them
| Cause | Description | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Open Clubface at Impact | Clubface points right of target line upon contact. | Strengthen grip, maintain wrist position, practice squaring clubface drills. |
| Out-to-In Swing Path | Club moves from outside target line to inside after impact. | Use alignment sticks, focus on inside-out path, improve body rotation. |
| Incorrect Alignment | Feet, hips, or shoulders aimed right of target. | Align body parallel to target line, use visual aids for setup. |
| Ball Position Too Far Forward | Leads to open clubface and pushes. | Adjust ball position slightly back in stance for irons. |
| Too Weak Grip | Hands rotated too far left on club (for right-handers), causing open face. | Rotate hands clockwise to strengthen grip. |
By diagnosing your specific cause and applying targeted corrections, you can systematically eliminate push shots from your game. Regular practice and feedback are essential to ingraining these changes into your swing mechanics.
Understanding the Causes of a Push in Golf
A push shot in golf occurs when the ball travels straight but to the right of the intended target line (for a right-handed golfer). This is typically due to the clubface being square or slightly open at impact, combined with a swing path that is directed too far to the right. Identifying the underlying cause is essential to correcting this common issue.
Key factors contributing to a push include:
- Open Clubface at Impact: When the clubface points right of the target line, the ball will start right, resulting in a push.
- Out-to-In Swing Path: A swing path that moves across the ball from outside the target line to inside causes the ball to go right.
- Poor Alignment: Aiming the body or clubface too far right can predispose the shot to push.
- Grip Issues: A weak grip can cause the clubface to remain open through impact.
Adjusting Grip and Setup to Prevent a Push
The foundation of correcting a push starts with a proper grip and setup. Even minor adjustments can significantly influence the direction of the ball.
- Grip: Ensure a neutral to slightly strong grip. This means the “V”s formed by the thumb and forefinger of both hands should point between the right shoulder and chin (for right-handed golfers). A weak grip often leaves the clubface open.
- Alignment: Check that your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line. Use alignment sticks during practice to reinforce proper positioning.
- Ball Position: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance to promote an inside-to-square clubface at impact.
- Posture: Maintain a balanced athletic posture with slight knee flex and spine tilt to encourage a natural swing path.
Improving Swing Path and Clubface Control
Correcting a push requires adjustments to swing mechanics to ensure the clubface meets the ball squarely with an appropriate path.
| Aspect | Common Fault | Recommended Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Path | Outside-to-in path causing push | Focus on swinging more from the inside; practice drills that promote an inside-to-out path |
| Clubface Angle | Open or square face at impact | Use impact tape or face spray to monitor clubface position; strengthen grip and wrist hinge to square the face |
| Release | Early release causing open face | Work on maintaining wrist hinge longer through impact to square the clubface |
Practice Drills to Correct a Push
Implementing targeted drills during practice sessions can reinforce proper mechanics and reduce the occurrence of pushes.
- Gate Drill: Place two tees slightly wider than your clubhead just ahead of the ball on the target line. Practice swinging through the “gate” without hitting the tees. This encourages a straighter swing path.
- Alignment Stick Drill: Lay an alignment stick on the ground along your target line and another pointing along your intended swing path (slightly inside-to-out). Practice swinging along the second stick to ingrain the correct path.
- Face Control Drill: Use impact tape or dry erase spray on the clubface during practice. Check where the ball contacts the clubface to ensure it is centered and square.
- Slow Motion Swings: Practice swings at 50% speed focusing on maintaining a square clubface and inside-to-out path throughout the swing.
Equipment Checks to Address Push Shots
Sometimes, push shots can be exacerbated by equipment that does not fit your swing characteristics.
| Equipment Aspect | Potential Issue | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Flex | Too stiff shaft can lead to timing issues and open face | Get fitted for proper shaft flex matching swing speed |
| Clubface Loft and Lie | Incorrect lie angle may promote open face at impact | Consult a professional fitter to adjust lie angle |