How To Hit A Golf Ball Straight
Many golfers that are hooking or slicing the ball want to know how to hit a golf ball straight. Obviously this is the desired flight path that we are all looking to achieve as it gives you maximum distance. Also, when you can hit a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway, you have a much easier approach shot to the green.
Why is it that many golfers find it difficult to hit a golf ball straight? First it is necessary to comprehend what causes the ball to move from left to right (a slice) or from right to left (a hook). If you know how to fix a slice or hook, you can then practice how to hit a draw or a fade which are useful skills to know so that you can shape your shots around hazards or dog-legs.
In this article, I will be describing the causes and cures of a slice; the hook is basically the opposite of the slice, so just reverse the descriptions and cures. A slice occurs when the axis of the ball spins to the right or in a clockwise direction. A slice will end up to the right of the target you are aiming for, and the expression refers to an extreme or unplanned curve in the trajectory of the ball. A "fade" is a less severe version of the slice and is usually intentional.
When you understand the basics of the golf swing you will know that you have to return to the original place at impact if you want to hit the ball squarely and straight. When the club face is open at the point of impact, a slice will occur and the ball will spin in a clockwise direction. Generally, the swing path is correct but the golf ball is not hit squarely at impact; this is normally caused by a "weak grip."
If you find that you can not hit a golf ball straight, then the initial problem could be your grip. Whether you use an overlapping grip, an interlocking grip, or a baseball grip, the aspect of your grip that can influence the golf balls flight path is the strength of the grip. So, if you want to fix a slice, move your hands around to the right on the grip into a strong grip position.
There are several other factors you can try to cure a slice. The first is not to grip the club so tightly that you tense up the muscles of the wrist and forearms. Also, work on increasing the speed of your golf swing as a faster swing speed will give you more distance and, most importantly, it will reduce the amount of slice that you pass on to the golf ball. You may be using the wrong flex of shaft which can affect your shots; if you hit over 250 yards then use a stiff or extra stiff flex, from 200 to 250 yards use a firm or regular flex, and under 200 yards use a ladies or senior flex.
The address position has to be correct if you want to hit a golf ball straight. You should line up for your shot with your shoulders, hips, and feet all square and parallel to the target line. When teeing off with a driver, the correct ball position is opposite the instep of the left foot. Also, the sole of the club should be grounded and not tilting forwards (standing too close to the ball) or tilting backwards (standing too far from the ball.)
If you occasionally hit a slice or a hook, then go back to the basics of the golf swing. place your feet shoulder width apart, keep your eyes on the ball, knees slightly bent, and back in a straight position with your chin up. In this article I won't get into details about the golf swing; but just start your back swing straight back and keep your downswing on the same plane. Your swing speed should stay constant throughout the backswing to the downswing and don't ever try to over swing at the ball.
Lastly, there are an other two types of swing faults that will prevent you to hit a golf ball straight - the push and the pull. As opposed the slice, the push shot happens when the ball shoots straight off to the right, and the pull is when the ball goes straight off to the left. The push is a result of an incorrect golf swing when the club goes through an in-to-out plane, and the pull is an out-to-in swing plane. The push or pull shot comes about due to an improper golf swing action and forgetting the basics of the golf swing.
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July 07 2008 11:22 am | Golf