An outside-in golf swing occurs when the club head comes from outside the target line and cuts across the ball at impact, resulting in a slice or a pull shot. This swing flaw can be frustrating for golfers and can significantly affect their performance on the course. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix an outside-in golf swing.
Check Your Grip: The grip is the foundation of the swing, and an incorrect grip can lead to an outside-in swing. Make sure that you are gripping the club correctly. A neutral grip, where the V’s of both hands point to the right shoulder, can help to promote a square clubface at impact.
Work on Your Takeaway: A proper takeaway is crucial in avoiding an outside-in swing. Focus on keeping the clubhead inside the target line on your backswing. A simple drill to practice this is to place a headcover or an alignment stick just outside the ball and make sure that your clubhead stays inside it during the takeaway.
Practice Your Downswing: The downswing is where most outside-in swings occur. To prevent this, make sure that you are initiating the downswing with your lower body, not your arms. This will help to create a more natural inside-to-out swing path, resulting in a more solid contact with the ball.
Use Alignment Aids: Alignment aids can be helpful in fixing an outside-in swing. Place an alignment stick or a club on the ground pointing towards the target, and another one pointing to the right of your target, forming a “gate.” This will help you to swing on the correct path and avoid cutting across the ball.
Seek Professional Help: Finally, if you are struggling to fix your outside-in swing, consider seeking help from a golf instructor. A professional can provide you with personalized instruction and drills to help you correct your swing flaw.
Check Your Posture: Poor posture can lead to an outside-in swing. Make sure that you are standing tall with your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Your arms should hang naturally, and the club should be resting on the ground behind the ball.
Slow Down Your Swing: An outside-in swing can also result from an over-aggressive swing. Focus on taking a slower, smoother swing to promote a more natural inside-to-out swing path. Try to maintain a consistent tempo throughout your swing.
Use a Stronger Grip: A stronger grip can help to promote a more natural inside-to-out swing path. Experiment with different grip positions until you find one that works for you. A stronger grip can also help to prevent a slice.
Practice with a Towel: Place a towel under your armpits and hold it in place with your arms. This will help to keep your arms close to your body, promoting a more natural inside-to-out swing path. It will also help you to maintain a more connected swing.
Focus on Your Follow-Through: A proper follow-through is crucial in avoiding an outside-in swing. Make sure that you are finishing your swing with a full release of the club and a high finish. This will help to promote a more natural inside-to-out swing path.
Adjust Your Ball Position: The position of the ball in your stance can affect your swing path. If you’re consistently hitting outside-in shots, try moving the ball back in your stance. This can help to promote a more inside-to-out swing path.
Use a Flatter Swing Plane: An outside-in swing can also result from a steep swing plane. Try to flatten out your swing plane by taking the club back more around your body, rather than up and down. This can help to promote a more natural inside-to-out swing path.
Avoid “Casting“: “Casting” is a common swing flaw where the club is released too early, resulting in an outside-in swing. To avoid casting, focus on maintaining your wrist angle throughout your swing, and don’t release the club until after impact.
Improve Your Fitness: A lack of strength or flexibility can also contribute to an outside-in swing. Consider incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into your routine to improve your overall fitness and golf swing.
Practice with Drills: There are many drills you can practice to help fix an outside-in swing. For example, try placing an alignment stick or a club just outside the ball, forming a barrier that forces you to swing on the correct path. You can also practice hitting shots with a towel under your lead arm, which can help to promote a more connected swing.
Common causes of an outside in golf swing
Cause
Description
Consequences
Solution
Drill or exercise
Overactive upper body
When the upper body leads the downswing, causing the club to come over the top of the swing and create an outside in path.
Slices, pulls, inconsistent ball flight
Focus on lower body rotation, feel the arms drop in the slot
Place a headcover under left armpit and swing without it falling
Grip too weak
A weak grip can lead to an open clubface and outside in swing path.
Slices, hooks, inconsistent ball flight
Strengthen grip, focus on grip pressure
Practice holding the club with more pressure in the fingers
Lack of shoulder turn
When the shoulders don’t turn enough on the backswing, the club can come over the top on the downswing.
Slices, pulls, inconsistent ball flight
Focus on turning shoulders fully
Place a club across shoulders and make a full turn without moving
Too steep on downswing
When the downswing is too steep, the club can come over the top and create an outside in path.
Slices, pulls, inconsistent ball flight
Focus on shallow approach to the ball
Place a tee in the ground and practice brushing it with the club
Early release
When the club is released too early on the downswing, it can cause an outside in path.
Slices, pulls, inconsistent ball flight
Delay release, feel clubface staying square
Practice hitting shots with a 3/4 backswing, full finish
Techniques for fixing an outside in golf swing
Technique
Description
Benefits
Drawbacks
Drill or exercise
Flatter swing plane
A flatter swing plane can help prevent the club from coming over the top and creating an outside in swing path.
Common mistakes to avoid when trying to fix an outside in golf swing
Mistake
Description
Consequences
Solution
Drill or exercise
Overcompensating
Trying to fix an outside in swing path too quickly can lead to overcompensation and create new swing issues.
Inconsistent ball flight, frustration
Take it slow and focus on making small changes
Practice hitting short shots with a focus on technique
Ignoring the fundamentals
Neglecting the basics of grip, posture, and alignment can lead to an outside in swing path.
Inconsistent ball flight, frustration
Review and practice the fundamentals
Work on set up and alignment before every shot
Lack of practice and repetition
Trying to fix an outside in swing path without consistent practice can lead to inconsistent results.
Inconsistent ball flight, frustration, lack of improvement
Consistent practice and repetition with a focus on technique
Practice at the driving range and take lessons from a pro
Using the wrong equipment
Using the wrong golf clubs or equipment can lead to an outside in swing path.
Inconsistent ball flight, frustration, lack of power
Get fitted for clubs and equipment that suit your swing
Get a club fitting from a professional
Focusing too much on the swing mechanics
Focusing too much on the technical aspects of the swing can lead to overthinking and tension in the swing, causing an outside in path.
Inconsistent ball flight, frustration, lack of power
Focus on the target and making a fluid swing
Practice visualization and imagery to create a smooth swing flow
Drills and exercises for fixing an outside in golf swing
Drill or exercise
Description
Benefits
Drawbacks
Notes
Swing path drill
Using alignment rods or a golf towel to create a visual guide for the correct swing path can help train the muscles to create a better path.
Improved swing path, more consistent ball flight, muscle memory
Can be difficult to use at first without proper guidance
Use a mirror or camera to monitor swing path
Club behind back drill
Placing a club behind the back can help prevent an outside in swing path by keeping the arms and body connected.
Improved swing plane, more consistent ball flight
Can be uncomfortable at first, may restrict movement
Start with small swings and work up to full swing
Weight shift drill
Focusing on the weight shift in the swing can help prevent the upper body from leading the downswing and causing an outside in path.
Improved lower body rotation, more consistent ball flight
Can be difficult to feel weight shift at first
Practice weight shift drills during warm-up
Impact bag drill
Hitting an impact bag can help train the muscles to square the clubface at impact and prevent an outside in swing path.
Improved ball flight, more consistent contact
Requires an impact bag or other suitable training aid
Use with guidance from a professional if needed
Slow motion swing drill
Practicing a slow motion swing can help train the muscles to make a better swing path and prevent an outside in path.
Improved swing path, muscle memory
Can be difficult to maintain proper form during slow motion
Start with small swings and work up to full
Remember, fixing an outside-in golf swing takes time and practice. Be patient and focus on one area at a time. Use these tips to help you correct your swing flaw, and you’ll be hitting more fairways and lowering your scores in no time.
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.
