How To Hit A Golf Ball Straight

A free article on Sports and Recreation

By: Mick Euan Tait

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.

What causes so many golfers the inability to hit a golf ball straight? The first thing to understand is why the golf ball moves to the left (a hook) or to the right (a slice) of the tee. Once you know how to fix a slice or a hook, you will then be in a position to learn how to hit a draw or a fade - which are basically just controlled versions of the hook and the slice but with less movement on the ball.

The following descriptions and instruction deals with the slice; for the hook everything is generally reversed. A slice is created by a significant tilt of the spin-axis of the golf ball to the right, or a clockwise spin. A slice usually ends up right of the target line, and the term is often used when the curve in the trajectory is extreme and unintentional. The less extreme version of a slice is called a "fade".

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 can not hit a golf ball straight, then the first thing to look at is your grip. It doesn't matter what type of grip you prefer (an interlocking grip, an overlapping grip, or a ten finger grip) the factor that can affect the balls flight path is the strength of the grip. If you want to fix a slice, try moving your hands around to the right into a stronger grip position.

Other factors that can cure a slice are the grip pressure; don't grip the club so tightly that the muscles of the wrist and forearms are tense. Try to increase the speed of your golf swing, not only will that add more distance it can also cut down on the amount of slice that you impart on the golf ball. The flex of the clubs shaft can also affect your shots; big hitters will need a stiff or extra stiff shaft, medium hitters should use a firm or regular flex, and shorter hitters should use a senior or ladies flex.

The setup position is also important if you want to hit a golf ball straight. Keep everything square and parallel to the target. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be parallel to the target line. With a driver, place the ball opposite the instep of the left foot and don't stand too close or too far away from the ball - the sole of the club should be grounded and not tilting forwards or backwards.

Remember all the swing basics that you were taught; feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed, spine straight and chin up, and keep your eyes on the ball. There is no time for detailed golf swing instruction here but just try to keep your club on the same plane from your back swing to your downswing. Whatever you do, don't try to over hit the golf ball - maintain the same swing speed during your complete golf swing.

There are two more swing faults that can stop you to hit a golf ball straight down the fairway - the push shot and the pull shot. Not like the slice, the push shot is when the ball flies of the club face to the right and the pull shot to the left. The push shot is a direct action of the golf swing that is caused by an in-to-out swing path and the pull shot is caused by an out-to-in swing path. Both the push and the pull are effects of an improper golf swing and not remembering the basics of the golf swing.

Information about the Author:

Check out Mick Euan Tait's website if you want to hit a golf ball straight and fix a slice.
Also, sign up for his newsletter and receive a special free report on "Creating a perfect, consistent golf swing."

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