Push Shot - An Easy Way to Fix the Push Shot

New golfers are rarely aware that the 'push' shot is an error that many player have to overcome while learning to play golf. This common mistake can be thought of as a mirror images of the 'pull' but it moves in the opposite direction. Today's article will teach you the causes of this golf swing problem in some detail and will also provide you with what I hope will be a straightforward remedy for it.

The Definition of a Push Shot

Let's first make sure we are all on the same page about what a push shot is.

For right-handed golfers, the push is a shot where the ball starts moving toward the right and continues to move in that direction. The cause for this is usually in the way your club head approaches your ball. It is approaching the golf ball from an inside pass, and with the clubface open in relation to the target line.

When you see this problem in your shots then the cause is very likely a lack of body rotation during the downswing portion of your swing, which means that your arms are lagging behind everything else and causing a late hit.
 
The late hit causes the club head to miss the hitting zone time. This undesired effect is difficult to overcome with a simple correction, because often, even if you try to approach the ball from the inside, you will probably tend to push the ball if you are not properly releasing the clubhead.

Another reason that may be causing you to push the ball is that you have the ball located too far back within your stance. This causes the clubhead to hit the ball far too early, which means that the face makes impact with the ball before it has the opportunity to point in a straight direction down the target line.

Getting Rid Of The Push Shot

There are a few techniques that golfers use in order to rid themselves of pushing the ball.  Its best to stick with the basics, especially if you are new to the game of golf.  Having said that, the first step you need to take care of is to practice making your hips turn fully on the downswing portion so that your belt buckle will be pointing towards the target at the end of your swing.

In order to achieve this technique, you must be sure that your weight is being completely shifted from your right foot to the left. At first, try practicing this weight shift without a club by bringing your arms backwards, and then through, the swing, all the while consciously transferring your weight from the back to the front. Meanwhile, your body should not be moving backwards and forwards during the swing, just rotating back and through, back and through.

Once you get the movement down and are confident with the proper swing technique needed to eliminate the push, pick up your club and practice the same movement repeatedly. Always check the position of your belt buckle at the end of each swing.

Last Minute Tip: Be sure to take notice of your release. Check to see that you are releasing the club head appropriately by turning the right forearm over your left forearm as you approach impact (right-handed golfers). This rolling movement will help the club face to be closed and create a straight moving ball instead of it veering off to the right.