Few things are more frustrating on the golf course than hitting what feels like a perfect swing, only to watch the ball veer dramatically off course. For right-handed golfers, a shot that unexpectedly goes right is called a push, while a shot that goes left is a pull. Both are common, yet correctable, issues that often stem from problems with your club path—the direction your clubhead travels through the ball relative to your target line.
Push and pull shots can feel random, but in reality, they follow very predictable patterns based on how the clubface and swing path interact. Understanding the mechanics behind these shots—and learning how to adjust your grip, stance, and swing—can transform your consistency on the course. By fixing your club path, you not only hit straighter shots but also improve ball compression, distance, and confidence.
This article will break down why push and pull shots happen, how your swing mechanics contribute to them, and practical drills and tips to correct them. We’ll also explore the science of club path and how it affects shot shape, distance, and control.
Understanding Push and Pull Shots
What Is a Push?
A push is a shot that starts right of the target line (for right-handed golfers) and continues straight without curving back. Key characteristics include:
Open clubface at impact: The clubface points right of the target line.
Out-to-in swing path: The clubhead moves along a path that doesn’t allow the face to close properly through impact.
Push shots are commonly caused by a weak grip, misalignment, or an over-the-top swing. Golfers often feel they are swinging “straight,” but the club’s path is unintentionally coming from outside the target line.
What Is a Pull?
A pull is a shot that starts left of the target line (for right-handed golfers) and continues left without curving back. It typically results from:
Closed clubface at impact: The clubface points left of the target line.
In-to-out swing path: The clubhead moves along a path that doesn’t allow the face to open adequately.
Pulls often occur when golfers over-rotate their hands or arms, have a strong grip, or fail to properly rotate their hips and torso.
Why Understanding This Matters
Both push and pull shots highlight the importance of face-to-path relationship. Even a perfectly square clubface can produce an unwanted shot if the swing path is off. According to TrackMan data, misalignment between the clubface and swing path is one of the primary reasons for inconsistent ball flight on both amateur and professional tours.
The Science of Club Path
What Is Club Path?
Club path refers to the direction the clubhead is traveling at the moment it strikes the ball. It is measured relative to the target line and directly influences:
Ball flight: Determines the initial direction and curvature of the shot.
Spin: The combination of path and face angle creates sidespin, which can produce slices, hooks, fades, or draws.
Distance: A correct path maximizes energy transfer and compression, improving ball speed.
Face-to-Path Relationship
Face angle vs. path: The angle of the clubface relative to the swing path dictates shot curvature.
Inside-out path + slightly closed face: Produces a draw.
Outside-in path + slightly open face: Produces a fade or slice.
Understanding these relationships helps golfers diagnose push and pull shots more accurately.
Measuring Club Path
Modern technology such as launch monitors and swing analysis tools provide data on:
Path angle: Measures inside or outside movement relative to the target line.
Face angle: Measures the clubface direction at impact.
Face-to-path difference: Determines whether the ball will curve left or right.
Research shows golfers who monitor these metrics can reduce mis-hits by 30–50% over a season.
Common Causes of Push and Pull Shots
| Shot Type | Typical Clubface | Swing Path | Common Causes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push | Open | Out-to-in | Weak grip, poor alignment, over-the-top swing, standing too far from ball |
| Pull | Closed | In-to-out | Strong grip, closed stance, insufficient hip rotation, early hand release |
1. Grip Issues
Your grip is the foundation of your swing path.
Weak grip: Hands turned too far left (for right-handers) can open the clubface, leading to pushes.
Strong grip: Hands turned too far right can close the clubface, leading to pulls.
A neutral grip is key to controlling the face-to-path relationship.
2. Poor Alignment
Even slight misalignment of feet, hips, or shoulders can force the club onto an incorrect path, creating pushes or pulls. Proper alignment ensures the club naturally swings along the target line.
3. Swing Path Errors
Over-the-top move: Common among high-handicap golfers, producing slices or pushes.
In-to-out path: Can cause hooks or pulls if the clubface is too closed.
4. Lack of Body Rotation
When arms dominate the swing instead of the torso and hips, swing path becomes inconsistent. This leads to push and pull shots due to improper clubhead angles at impact.
How to Fix Your Club Path
1. Correct Your Grip
Neutral grip: For right-handed golfers, see two to two-and-a-half knuckles on the lead hand.
“V” formed by thumb and index finger points between the right shoulder and chin.
2. Align Properly
Use alignment sticks or clubs during practice to ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line.
3. Focus on Swing Path
Towel Drill: Place a towel just outside the ball to prevent over-the-top swings.
Video Feedback: Record your swing to check if the club travels inside-out.
Swing Path Markers: Lay clubs or sticks on the ground to visualize the correct path.
4. Improve Body Rotation
Feet Together Drill: Encourages proper hip and torso rotation.
Resistance Band Training: Strengthens rotational muscles for better swing control.
Drills to Promote a Better Club Path
Towel Drill: Keep a towel under your lead arm. Prevents separation and over-the-top swings.
Baseball Drill: Swing the club like hitting a baseball off a tee, promoting a flatter inside-out path.
Step Drill: Step forward with your lead foot during the downswing to improve weight transfer and naturally shallow your swing path.
Gate Drill: Place tees or headcovers slightly outside and inside your target line to create a “gate” and train the club to pass cleanly through the center.
Push vs Pull: Causes and Fixes (Chart)
| Shot Type | Typical Clubface | Swing Path | Common Causes | Recommended Fixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push | Open | Out-to-in | Weak grip, poor alignment, over-the-top swing | Neutral grip, proper alignment, inside-out swing, towel drill |
| Pull | Closed | In-to-out | Strong grip, closed stance, insufficient body rotation | Adjust grip, align parallel to target, improve rotation, step drill |
Insight: Practicing these corrective drills can reduce push and pull shots significantly, increasing accuracy, distance, and confidence on the course.
Real-World Examples
Rory McIlroy: Early in his career, Rory struggled with pull hooks due to a slightly strong grip. Adjusting his grip and swing path reduced errant shots and improved ball striking.
Amateur Golfer Data: According to a GolfWRX survey of 500 amateur golfers, 38% consistently push drives, while 29% consistently pull, highlighting the importance of club path correction in all skill levels.
Conclusion
Push and pull shots are symptoms of misaligned club path, grip issues, or body mechanics. By understanding the face-to-path relationship and implementing drills such as the towel, baseball, and step drills, golfers can improve consistency, accuracy, and distance. Correcting club path takes time and practice, but the payoff is straighter, more predictable shots and more enjoyable rounds of golf.
