In golf, a push is a shot that travels straight to the right of the target for right-handed golfers and straight to the left for left-handed golfers. This type of shot can be frustrating for golfers, as it can result in missed fairways, greens, and ultimately, higher scores. There are several factors that can cause a push in golf, including:
- Alignment: One of the most common causes of a push is improper alignment. If a golfer’s body is aimed to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers), it can cause the clubface to be aimed in the same direction, resulting in a push.
- Grip: Another common cause of a push is an incorrect grip. If a golfer’s grip is too weak (meaning the hands are turned too far to the left for right-handed golfers or too far to the right for left-handed golfers), it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push.
- Swing path: The swing path is the direction the club travels during the swing. If a golfer’s swing path is too much to the right (for right-handed golfers) or too much to the left (for left-handed golfers), it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push.
- Weight transfer: The weight transfer is the movement of the body during the swing. If a golfer’s weight stays too much on their back foot during the downswing, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push.
- Clubface angle: The clubface angle is the position of the clubface at impact. If the clubface is open at impact, it can cause the ball to go to the right (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed golfers), resulting in a push.
- Ball position: Another factor that can cause a push in golf is improper ball position. If the ball is too far forward in a golfer’s stance, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push. Conversely, if the ball is too far back in the stance, it can cause the clubface to be closed at impact, resulting in a hook.
- Swing tempo: Swing tempo refers to the speed and rhythm of a golfer’s swing. If a golfer’s swing tempo is too fast or jerky, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push. Slowing down the swing and focusing on a smooth, fluid motion can help correct this problem.
- Mental game: Finally, the mental game can play a role in causing a push in golf. If a golfer is feeling anxious, tense, or distracted on the course, it can affect their swing and lead to errant shots. Learning to stay focused, relaxed, and confident on the course can help prevent pushes and other types of mishits.
- Equipment: Equipment can also play a role in causing a push in golf. If a golfer’s clubs are not properly fitted to their body type and swing, it can result in a push or other types of mis-hits. For example, if the shaft of a golfer’s club is too stiff, it can cause the clubface to be open at impact, resulting in a push. Conversely, if the shaft is too flexible, it can cause the clubface to be closed at impact, resulting in a hook.
- Physical limitations: Finally, physical limitations can also contribute to a push in golf. For example, if a golfer lacks flexibility in their shoulders or hips, it can limit their ability to rotate through the swing, causing the clubface to be open at impact and resulting in a push. Similarly, if a golfer lacks strength in their core or upper body, it can affect their swing path and lead to errant shots. Working with a fitness professional to address these physical limitations can help golfers improve their swing and prevent pushes on the course.
To fix a push, it’s important to identify the root cause. A golf instructor can help diagnose the problem and provide drills and exercises to help correct it. Common fixes include adjusting alignment, strengthening the grip, changing the swing path, improving weight transfer, and adjusting the clubface angle at impact. With practice and patience, a golfer can overcome a push and hit more accurate shots.
Factors Related to Golf Club
| Golf Club Factor | Description | Example | Effect on Push | Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clubface Angle | The position of the clubface at impact | Open Clubface | Ball starts right and curves further right | Adjust grip and swing path |
| Clubhead Speed | The speed at which the clubhead moves through impact | Fast Clubhead Speed | Ball goes further right due to the side spin | Focus on hitting more centered shots |
| Shaft Flexibility | The flexibility of the golf club shaft | Too flexible shaft | The clubhead may lag behind the hands causing a push | Use a stiffer shaft |
| Clubhead Design | The design of the golf club | Offset clubhead | The clubface may be closed causing a push | Use a clubhead with less offset |
| Club Length | The length of the golf club | Too long club | The golfer may stand too far from the ball causing a push | Use a shorter club length |
Swing Mechanics Factors
| Swing Mechanics Factor | Description | Example | Effect on Push | Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swing Path | The direction in which the clubhead moves during the swing | Over the top swing path | The clubface will be open at impact causing a push | Focus on a more inside-out swing path |
| Swing Tempo | The speed and rhythm of the golf swing | Fast tempo swing | The clubface may not have enough time to close causing a push | Slow down swing tempo |
| Body Alignment | The alignment of the body to the target | Open body alignment | The golfer will swing in the direction of their feet causing a push | Square body alignment to the target |
| Grip Pressure | The tightness of the grip on the golf club | Too tight grip | The golfer may have difficulty releasing the club causing a push | Use a lighter grip pressure |
| Weight Distribution | The distribution of weight during the swing | Too much weight on the back foot | The golfer may not transfer enough weight to the front foot causing a push | Focus on transferring weight to the front foot |
Common Swing Faults
| Fault | Description | Cause | Effect | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over-the-Top | Swinging too much from outside-to-inside | Early release of hands | Ball starts right of target and stays right | Work on sequence and keeping hands closer to body |
| Open Clubface | Clubface is pointed too far to the right at impact | Grip too weak or too strong | Ball starts right of target and continues right | Adjust grip or focus on squaring clubface at impact |
| Aim | Alignment is incorrect | Feet, hips, and shoulders are aimed too far to the right | Ball starts right and continues right | Check alignment before each shot |
| Ball Position | Ball is too far forward in stance | Too much weight on front foot | Ball starts right and continues right | Move ball back in stance and distribute weight evenly |
| Swing Plane | Swing is too steep or too shallow | Club comes too far from inside or outside on backswing | Ball starts right or left of target | Work on maintaining a consistent swing plane |
Physical Limitations
| Limitation | Description | Cause | Effect | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor Flexibility | Inability to rotate shoulders and hips through swing | Tight muscles or joint restrictions | Inconsistent contact and ball flight | Improve flexibility through stretching and mobility exercises |
| Lack of Strength | Inability to generate clubhead speed | Weak muscles | Shorter shots and loss of distance | Work on building strength through weightlifting and resistance training |
| Balance Issues | Inability to maintain balance throughout swing | Poor posture or stability | Inconsistent contact and ball flight | Work on improving balance through exercises and drills |
| Injury | Physical limitations due to injury | Previous injuries or chronic conditions | Loss of range of motion and strength | Seek medical attention and follow rehabilitation plan |
| Age | Natural decline in physical abilities | Reduced strength and flexibility | Shorter shots and loss of distance | Adjust swing and equipment to compensate |
