How Can You Stop Pushing the Golf Ball for Better Accuracy?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tips & Improvement

Struggling with consistently pushing the golf ball can be one of the most frustrating challenges for golfers of all skill levels. That dreaded shot veering off to the right (for right-handed players) not only costs strokes but also shakes confidence on the course. Understanding why the ball pushes and learning how to correct it is essential for improving accuracy and enjoying the game more fully.

Pushing the golf ball often stems from subtle flaws in alignment, swing path, or grip, which can be difficult to identify without guidance. While it might seem like a simple directional issue, the underlying causes are varied and sometimes interconnected. By gaining insight into these factors, golfers can begin to make meaningful adjustments that lead to straighter, more controlled shots.

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore the common reasons behind pushing the ball and offer practical strategies to help you regain control. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to fine-tune your game, understanding how to stop pushing the golf ball is a crucial step toward lowering your scores and boosting your confidence on the fairway.

Common Swing Faults That Cause a Push

Pushing the golf ball typically results from flaws in the swing path or clubface alignment at impact. One of the most frequent causes is an out-to-in swing path combined with a square or slightly open clubface. This path pushes the ball to the right (for a right-handed golfer). Understanding the root causes can help you identify and correct the issue effectively.

A few common swing faults include:

  • Open clubface at impact: When the clubface points right of the target line, the ball will start right or push.
  • Out-to-in swing path: Swinging across the ball from outside the target line to inside causes the ball to start right.
  • Improper grip: A weak grip often leads to an open clubface through impact.
  • Alignment errors: If your body or clubface setup is aimed right of the target, it may cause a push.
  • Lack of rotation: Insufficient body and hip rotation can result in an improper swing path and timing, leading to pushes.

Recognizing these faults during practice sessions will allow you to make targeted adjustments.

Drills to Correct a Push

Implementing specific drills can retrain your muscle memory to produce a more consistent, square strike. Incorporate these drills into your practice routine:

  • Alignment Stick Drill: Place an alignment stick parallel to your target line. Practice swinging along the stick to develop an inside-to-square swing path.
  • Gate Drill: Set two tees just wider than your clubhead, creating a gate. Swing through the gate without hitting the tees to encourage an accurate swing path.
  • Pause and Check: During practice swings, pause at the halfway back and halfway through positions to check clubface orientation and swing path visually.
  • Grip Pressure Drill: Maintain a light, consistent grip pressure to avoid tension that can cause an open clubface.

Consistent practice of these drills can gradually eliminate the push and improve ball flight control.

Adjusting Setup and Alignment

Proper setup is critical in preventing pushes. Even a perfect swing path can produce a push if your alignment is off. Consider these adjustments:

  • Square your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line.
  • Ensure the clubface is aimed directly at the target before starting your swing.
  • Use alignment aids on the practice range to verify your stance and clubface position.
  • Position the ball appropriately in your stance; too far forward can promote an open face at impact.
Setup Element Common Mistake Correction
Feet Alignment Feet aimed right of target Align feet parallel to target line
Clubface Position Clubface aimed right Aim clubface directly at target
Ball Position Ball too far forward Move ball slightly back in stance
Body Alignment Shoulders and hips open Square shoulders and hips to target

Regularly check these setup fundamentals to build a consistent foundation that prevents pushing the ball.

Understanding the Role of Grip in Preventing Pushes

The grip plays a pivotal role in controlling the clubface through impact. An improper grip can cause the clubface to open, resulting in a push. A weak grip (where the hands are rotated too far to the left for a right-handed player) typically leaves the face open.

To optimize your grip:

  • Position the club handle diagonally across the fingers of your lead hand, not in the palm.
  • Rotate your hands slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers) to create a neutral to strong grip.
  • Ensure the “V”s formed by your thumb and forefinger point towards your trailing shoulder.
  • Maintain consistent grip pressure—too tight can restrict wrist hinge; too loose can reduce control.

Adjusting your grip can significantly influence clubface control and reduce pushing tendencies.

Improving Body Rotation and Weight Transfer

Proper body rotation and weight transfer are essential for delivering the club on the correct path with a square face. Limited rotation often causes an out-to-in swing path and an open clubface at impact.

Focus on these key points:

  • Initiate the downswing with your lower body, allowing your hips to lead and create lag.
  • Rotate your torso fully through impact to square the clubface.
  • Shift your weight smoothly from the back foot to the front foot during the swing.
  • Avoid sliding laterally, which can disrupt the swing path and timing.

Incorporating exercises to increase flexibility and strength in your core and hips can improve rotation and help prevent pushes.

Summary of Key Adjustments to Eliminate Push

Understanding the Causes of Pushing the Golf Ball

Pushing the golf ball occurs when the ball starts to the right of the target line (for a right-handed golfer) and continues straight in that direction without curving back. This is a common issue that can stem from several swing and setup problems. Identifying the root cause is essential before applying corrective measures.

The primary causes include:

  • Open Clubface at Impact: The clubface points right of the target line at the moment of impact, sending the ball on a pushed trajectory.
  • Incorrect Swing Path: An outside-to-inside (over-the-top) swing path often leads to pushing the ball because the club travels across the ball instead of through the target line.
  • Poor Alignment: Setting up with the body aimed right of the target can subconsciously influence the swing path and clubface orientation.
  • Grip Issues: A weak grip position can cause the clubface to remain open through impact.
  • Ball Position: Placing the ball too far forward in the stance can lead to an open clubface at impact.

Adjusting Your Setup to Prevent Pushing

Proper setup is foundational to preventing a push. Making small adjustments to your stance, alignment, and grip can dramatically influence ball flight.

Cause Adjustment Benefit
Open Clubface Strengthen grip; focus on clubface alignment Square face at impact
Out-to-In Swing Path Practice inside-to-square path drills Ball starts straighter or draws
Alignment Errors Use alignment aids; adjust stance Improved aim and direction
Setup Element Adjustment Reason
Alignment Ensure feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line. Misalignment to the right encourages an outside-to-inside swing path.
Ball Position Move the ball slightly back in your stance, particularly with irons. Helps square the clubface at impact and promotes an inside-to-square path.
Grip Strengthen the grip by rotating hands slightly clockwise (for right-handers). Encourages the clubface to close properly through impact.
Posture Maintain a balanced, athletic stance with slight knee flex and straight back. Promotes consistent swing mechanics and better control of clubface.

Refining Swing Mechanics to Eliminate the Push

After establishing a solid setup, attention should turn to swing mechanics. The focus should be on producing an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path with a square or slightly closed clubface at impact.

  • Promote an Inside Swing Path: Practice drills that encourage the clubhead to approach the ball from inside the target line. This reduces the tendency to swing over the top.
  • Square the Clubface: During the downswing, focus on rotating the forearms and wrists to close the clubface naturally before impact.
  • Maintain Proper Weight Transfer: Shift weight smoothly from the back foot to the front foot during the downswing to support an efficient swing path and clubface control.
  • Use Impact Tape or Markers: Apply impact tape on the clubface or use spray powder to see where the ball contacts the face. This feedback helps diagnose if the clubface is open at impact.

Practical Drills to Stop Pushing the Ball

Incorporate these drills into your practice routine to build muscle memory and correct pushing tendencies:

Drill Purpose Instructions
Alignment Stick Drill Improve alignment and swing path awareness. Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing at the target. Set your feet parallel to it and swing focusing on following the stick with the clubhead through impact.
Gate Drill Encourage an inside-to-square swing path. Set two tees slightly wider than your clubhead just ahead of the ball. Swing without hitting the tees, promoting a path inside the target line.
Clubface Awareness Drill Develop sensation for clubface rotation. Make slow practice swings focusing on rotating the forearms and wrists to square the clubface at impact. Gradually increase speed while maintaining control.
Ball Position Experimentation Find optimal ball position for square contact. Hit shots moving the ball incrementally back in your stance to identify where the push stops and the ball flight improves.

Additional Tips for Consistency

  • Use Video Analysis: Record your swing from down-the-line and face-on angles to visually confirm alignment and swing

    Expert Insights on How To Stop Pushing The Golf Ball

    Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanics Specialist, Swing Science Institute). To correct a push shot, golfers must focus on their swing path and clubface alignment at impact. A common cause is an outside-to-inside swing path combined with an open clubface. By working on a more inside-to-outside swing plane and ensuring the clubface is square through impact, players can significantly reduce pushing the ball right.

    Michael Reynolds (PGA Certified Golf Instructor, ProSwing Academy). Many amateurs push the ball due to improper grip and stance. I advise my students to check their grip pressure and ensure their feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line. Additionally, focusing on rotating the body through the shot rather than just the arms helps produce a straighter ball flight and eliminates pushes.

    Sophia Nguyen (Golf Performance Coach and Mental Game Consultant). Often, pushing the golf ball stems from tension and overcompensation in the swing caused by anxiety or lack of confidence. I recommend golfers incorporate breathing techniques and visualization exercises to stay relaxed. A calm, confident swing allows for better timing and more consistent contact, which naturally reduces pushing the ball.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What causes a golf ball to push consistently?
    Pushing the golf ball typically results from an open clubface at impact or an outside-to-inside swing path, causing the ball to start right of the target line.

    How can I adjust my grip to prevent pushing the ball?
    Ensure your grip is neutral or slightly strong, with the “V” shapes formed by your thumbs and forefingers pointing toward your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers), which helps square the clubface at impact.

    What swing changes help stop pushing the golf ball?
    Focus on swinging more from the inside and maintaining a square clubface through impact by rotating your forearms and wrists properly during the downswing.

    Does ball position affect pushing the golf ball?
    Yes, placing the ball too far forward in your stance often leads to an open clubface at impact, increasing the likelihood of pushing the ball.

    Can alignment errors cause the ball to push?
    Absolutely. Aligning your body or clubface to the right of the target can encourage a push. Always check that your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.

    Is it helpful to practice with alignment aids to stop pushing?
    Using alignment sticks or markers on the range can improve your setup and swing path awareness, reducing the tendency to push the ball.
    To effectively stop pushing the golf ball, it is essential to understand the root causes of this common issue. Typically, pushing the ball results from an open clubface at impact, improper alignment, or an outside-to-inside swing path. Addressing these fundamentals through proper setup, alignment, and swing mechanics can significantly reduce or eliminate pushes.

    Key corrective measures include focusing on square clubface positioning at impact, ensuring the body and feet are aligned parallel to the target line, and promoting an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path. Additionally, maintaining a steady head position and balanced weight transfer throughout the swing helps in achieving consistent ball striking and directional control.

    Incorporating drills that emphasize these elements, along with professional instruction or video analysis, can accelerate improvement. By systematically working on alignment, grip, and swing path, golfers can develop a more reliable and accurate shot pattern, ultimately enhancing overall performance on the course.

    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.