The Root Cause: Why Am I Pushing The Golf Ball Right?

The Root Cause: Why Am I Pushing The Golf Ball Right?

Why am I pushing the golf ball right? If your golf shots start right and stay right, without much curve, you are pushing the golf ball. This happens mainly because your clubface is open at impact, meaning it points right of your swing path. It can also happen when your swing path goes too much from inside-out, combined with that open clubface. This golf shot pushing troubleshooting guide will help you fix it.

Image Source: www.golfdistillery.com

Deciphering Your Push: Why the Ball Goes Right

When you hit a golf ball, its first direction depends on the clubface angle at impact. Its curve depends on how the clubface angle compares to your swing path. A push happens when the ball starts right of your target line and keeps flying mostly straight right. It does not curve back much, or at all.

What is a Push Shot?

Think of it like this:

• Clubface angle: This is where the ball starts. If your clubface points right at impact, the ball starts right.
• Swing path: This is the direction your club moves. For a push, your swing path is often from inside to out, moving right of your target.
• Push flight: Your clubface is open to the target and open to your swing path (or close to parallel with it). The ball starts right and stays right.

Not All Rightward Shots Are Pushes

It is easy to mix up different golf shots that go right. But they are not all the same.

• Slice: This shot starts left of your target and then curves hard to the right. This happens because your swing path is outside-in (moves left of target) and your clubface is open to that path.
• Push Slice: This shot starts right of your target, then curves even more to the right. Here, your swing path is inside-out (moves right of target). But your clubface is very open compared to that path.
• Push: This shot starts right and flies mostly straight right. It is caused by an inside-out swing path combined with a clubface that is open to the target but often square or only slightly open to the path.

Here is a simple look at common rightward golf shot causes:

Shot Type	Starting Direction	Curve Direction	Main Causes
Push	Right	Straight/Slight	Inside-out path, open clubface at impact
Slice	Left	Right	Outside-in path, open clubface relative to path
Push Slice	Right	Right	Inside-out path, very open clubface relative to path

Core Reasons for the Push

Many things can make your golf swing cause a push right. Let us look at the most common ones.

The Open Clubface at Impact

The most direct reason for a push is having an open clubface at impact golf. This means the clubface points to the right of your target when you hit the ball. Even if your swing path is perfect, an open face will make the ball go right.

Why does your clubface stay open?

• Weak Grip: Your hands might be turned too far to the left on the club (for a right-handed golfer). This makes it hard to square the clubface at impact. Your thumbs might be directly on top of the grip. A strong grip lets your hands rotate the club more easily.
• Lack of Clubface Rotation (Release): As you swing down and through the ball, your wrists and forearms should rotate. This closes the clubface. If you do not “release” the club, the face stays open. This is a big part of clubface position at impact.
• Early Extension Push Golf: Early extension means your hips move closer to the ball and your spine straightens too early in the downswing. When this happens, your hands drop. They often get stuck behind your body. This makes it hard to square the clubface. It also makes your swing path go too much from inside-out.
• Hands Falling Behind: Your hands might lag too far behind your body in the downswing. This delays the clubface squaring. It often means your body rotation is not leading the swing enough.
• Targeting Left to Fix a Slice: Sometimes, golfers try to fix a slice by aiming their body far to the left. They then swing hard to the right to try to hit the ball straight. This can make the clubface open at impact, leading to a push.

The Straight Path Problem: Inside-to-Out

A true push shot needs an inside-out swing path. This means your club moves from inside your target line, to the ball, and then continues to the right of your target line after impact. When this path combines with an open clubface, you get a push.

You might hear about an “outside in swing path push.” This is usually a misunderstanding. An outside-in path more often causes a pull (starts left, no curve) or a slice (starts left, curves right). A true push comes from an inside-out path combined with an open clubface. The path sends the ball right, and the open face ensures it stays right.

What causes an inside-out path that leads to a push?

• Over-rotating the Body: You might spin your hips too fast or too much in the downswing. This can throw the club out too far to the right.
• Dropping the Club Too Far Inside: From the top of your backswing, if you drop your hands and the club too far to the inside, it sets you up for an inside-out path.
• Trying to “Throw” the Club at the Ball: Some golfers try to add power by casting or throwing the club from the top. This often sends the club on an inside-out path.
• Early Extension: As mentioned, early extension push golf not only opens the face but also makes your swing path too much from inside-out.

The Hands Stuck Golf Swing Fix Problem

When your hands get “stuck,” it means they cannot move freely towards the target in the downswing. They get trapped behind your body. This is a common golf swing cause for a push right.

Why do hands get stuck?

• Lack of Hip Rotation: Your hips stop turning or do not turn enough. This blocks your hands from moving forward.
• Too Much Arm Swing: You rely too much on your arms to hit the ball, instead of turning your body. Your body might stop, leaving your arms to flail.
• Casting the Club: If you throw the club from the top of the swing, your wrists lose their angle too early. This makes your hands fall behind your body.

When your hands are stuck, two things happen:

1. Your clubface often stays open. It is hard to rotate it square.
2. Your swing path goes too far inside-out. Your hands have nowhere else to go but out to the right.

Early Extension Push Golf

We talked about early extension push golf already, but it is worth looking at again. It is a big cause of pushes. Early extension means your lower body moves toward the ball. Your hips come out of their bent position. Your spine gets straighter.

This causes:

• Hands to Drop: Your hands drop below the plane of your swing. They then get stuck behind your body.
• Clubface to Stay Open: With hands stuck, it is very hard to square the clubface.
• Inside-Out Path: Your arms have to move out to the right to reach the ball.

Early extension often comes from trying to add power by standing up into the shot. It also comes from not rotating your body correctly.

Lesser-Known Rightward Golf Shot Causes

While the open face and inside-out path are the main issues, other small things can also lead to a push.

• Incorrect Ball Position: If the ball is too far forward in your stance (especially with irons), you might hit it on the upswing. This can keep the clubface from closing fully, leading to a push.
• Setting Up Too Far Left: Sometimes golfers aim their feet and body to the left of the target. They do this to fight a slice. But then, to hit the ball at the target, they swing hard to the right. This makes the path inside-out and can leave the face open to the actual target.
• Weak Grip: As mentioned, a weak grip prevents proper clubface closing.
• Lack of Body Rotation: If your body stops turning in the downswing, your arms take over. This can lead to a cast, an inside-out path, and an open clubface. Your body needs to lead the downswing, not just your arms.

Fixing Your Push: Golf Ball Pushes Solutions

Fixing a push shot means changing your swing. It takes work and patience. But it is very possible. The first step is to figure out your specific problem.

First Steps: Diagnose Your Shot

You need to know what your golf swing causes push right.

• Use Video: This is the best way to see your swing. Set up your phone or camera behind you, facing the target. Also, set one up facing you. Watch your swing in slow motion. Look for:
  • Clubface at impact: Is it open?
  • Swing path: Does it go too far inside-out?
  • Early extension: Do your hips move towards the ball?
  • Hands stuck: Do your hands get trapped behind your body?
• Get Feedback: If you have a friend who plays golf well, ask them to watch you. A golf pro is even better. They can quickly spot issues.
• Trackman or Launch Monitor: If you have access to a launch monitor (like a Trackman or FlightScope), use it. It gives you exact numbers for clubface angle and swing path. This is the ultimate golf shot pushing troubleshooting tool.
  • Face Angle: If this number is positive (e.g., +2 degrees), your face is open.
  • Path Angle: If this number is positive (e.g., +3 degrees), your path is inside-out.
  • For a push, both numbers are usually positive.

Key Drills to Fix Push Shot Golf Drills

Here are some specific drills to help you correct common push causes. Practice these often.

For Open Clubface Impact Golf

These drills help you square the clubface at impact.

• The “L-to-L” Drill:
  • Take your normal setup.
  • Swing back only until your lead arm is parallel to the ground and the club forms an “L” shape with your wrist hinge.
  • Swing through, hitting the ball, and finish with your trail arm parallel to the ground, forming another “L” shape.
  • Focus on rotating your forearms through impact. Feel your hands “turn over.”
  • This drill makes you focus on the release. It teaches you how to close the clubface position at impact.
• The “Right Arm Only” Drill (for right-handed golfers):
  • Hold the club with only your right hand.
  • Make small swings, focusing on swinging your right arm through impact.
  • Feel your right wrist naturally rotate and close the clubface. This helps you understand the feeling of release.
  • Start with short swings and light wedges.
• Grip Adjustments:
  • Check your grip. For a right-handed golfer, turn your left hand slightly to the right on the grip. You should see two or three knuckles on your left hand.
  • This is a “stronger” grip. It makes it easier to close the clubface.

For Inside-Out Path (leading to push)

These drills help make your swing path more neutral.

• The “Gate Drill”:
  • Place two alignment sticks (or golf clubs) on the ground.
  • Place one stick just outside your ball and slightly in front of it.
  • Place another stick just inside your ball and slightly behind it.
  • Make sure the sticks are wider than your clubhead.
  • Now, swing your club through this “gate” without hitting the sticks.
  • This forces a more neutral path. It helps you avoid swinging too far to the right.
• “Focus on Rotation, Not Just Arms”:
  • Do swings without a ball. Feel your hips and chest turn through the shot.
  • Imagine your belt buckle ending up facing the target.
  • If you just swing with your arms, your path will likely go too far inside-out.
  • Your body turn helps guide the club on the right path.

For Hands Stuck Golf Swing Fix

These drills help your hands clear and move freely.

• The “Pump Drill”:
  • Take your club to the top of your backswing.
  • From the top, make two or three small “pumps” downwards. Bring the club down part-way, then back up a little, then down again.
  • Focus on leading the downswing with your hips. Feel your hips turn first.
  • This helps you feel how your hips clear the way for your hands and arms.
• “Lead Arm Only” Drill (for right-handed golfers):
  • Hold the club with only your left hand.
  • Make short swings. Focus on your left side leading the swing.
  • This helps your body learn to rotate and pull the club through, instead of your hands getting stuck behind you.
  • Start with very slow, controlled swings.

For Early Extension Push Golf

These drills help you maintain your posture through the swing.

• The “Chair Drill”:
  • Set up for a shot with a chair placed right behind your butt.
  • As you swing down, keep your butt touching the chair.
  • This forces you to keep your hip bend and not stand up.
  • It helps you rotate around your spine, instead of extending up.
• The “Wall Drill”:
  • Stand with your butt about 6-10 inches from a wall.
  • Take your golf posture.
  • Make practice swings, focusing on keeping your butt the same distance from the wall or even touching it during your downswing.
  • This also helps you stay in your posture.
• “Focus on Staying Down”:
  • As you swing down, feel like you are pressing your feet into the ground.
  • Imagine your chest staying pointed down at the ball for as long as possible.
  • This mental image helps prevent the early upward movement.

General Tips for Golf Ball Pushes Solutions

Beyond drills, some basic changes can make a big difference.

• Check Your Ball Position:
  • For drivers, the ball should be off your lead heel.
  • For irons, it should be in the middle or slightly forward of center.
  • If the ball is too far forward with an iron, you might hit it on the upswing. This can keep the face open.
• Correct Your Grip: A good grip is the first step to good swings. Make sure your grip is not too weak. A slightly stronger grip can help you square the clubface.
• Improve Body Rotation: Many push shots happen because the body stops turning.
  • In the backswing, turn your shoulders fully.
  • In the downswing, lead with your hips and let your chest turn through the shot. Finish with your belt buckle facing the target.
  • Do simple rotation exercises without a club.
• Practice Slow Swings: Do not try to hit it hard when you are working on changes. Slow, controlled swings help your body learn new moves.
• Get Golf Lessons: A good golf instructor can watch your swing. They can tell you exactly what you need to fix. They can give you drills tailored to your swing. This is often the fastest way to get better. Fix push shot golf drills are more effective with a pro guiding you.

Pulling It All Together: Your Path to Better Shots

Fixing a push shot means working on the key areas:

1. Clubface Control: Make sure your clubface is square at impact.
2. Swing Path: Aim for a neutral path, or at least one that does not go too far inside-out.
3. Body Movement: Avoid early extension and getting your hands stuck. Ensure your body rotates well.

It is rare that only one thing causes a push. Often, it is a mix of an open clubface, an inside-out path, and poor body moves like early extension or stuck hands. Use video to find your biggest issue. Then, pick one or two drills to focus on. Do not try to fix everything at once. Small, steady improvements will lead to straighter shots.

Think of it as a journey. Each practice session helps you get closer to hitting the ball where you want it to go. Be patient. Keep working on it. Soon, those pushes to the right will be a distant memory. Your golf game will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can a weak grip cause a push?
Yes, a weak grip is a common cause of pushing the golf ball. It makes it hard for your hands to rotate and square the clubface through impact. This leaves the clubface open, sending the ball to the right.

Q2: Is a push better than a slice?
Many golfers find a push easier to fix than a slice. A push means your swing path is often pretty good (inside-out or neutral), but your clubface is open. A slice often means a bad path (outside-in) and an open face. Fixing the clubface angle is often simpler than fixing both path and face. A push also often travels further than a slice because it doesn’t have as much side spin.

Q3: How do professional golfers avoid pushing the ball?
Professional golfers rarely push the ball because they have excellent control over their clubface position at impact and their swing path. They achieve this through:
* Proper Grip: A consistent and strong grip.
* Full Body Rotation: Their hips and torso lead the downswing, which clears space for their arms and allows for a free release of the club.
* No Early Extension: They maintain their posture, staying down through impact, which helps keep the club on plane and square.
* Consistent Release: They square the clubface naturally through impact with precise forearm rotation.
They also practice a lot, ensuring their swings are very repeatable.

Q4: Can aiming to the left cause a push?
Yes, it can. If you aim your body and feet far to the left (often to avoid a slice), you might then swing too much to the right to hit the target. This creates an inside-out swing path. If your clubface is not perfectly square to this new path, or if it stays open to your actual target, you will push the ball right.

Q5: How can I tell if my clubface is open at impact without a launch monitor?
You can usually tell if your clubface is open by watching the ball flight. If it starts right and stays right, your face is likely open. You can also use video. Film your swing from directly behind you. Pause the video at impact. Look at the clubface. Is it pointing right of your target? Another way is to look at your divot. If your divot points significantly to the right of your target, it can be a sign of an inside-out path with an open face.