Discover how to hit a push draw golf shot with the right grip, stance, and swing path. Improve your technique with effective drills and understand the advantages of this shot shape for increased distance and accuracy. Compare push draw with other shot shapes for better decision-making on the course.
What is a Push Draw Golf Shot
A push draw golf shot is a specific type of shot that golfers use to achieve a controlled ball flight. It combines the characteristics of both a draw and a straight shot, resulting in a controlled curve to the right for right-handed golfers (and to the left for left-handed golfers). The push draw shot is highly sought after by golfers because it allows them to hit the ball long distances while still maintaining control over the ball’s direction.
Definition of a Push Draw Shot
A push draw shot is a golf shot that starts to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers) and curves gently back towards the target. It is achieved by creating a swing path that moves slightly from inside to out, while the clubface is slightly closed to the swing path at impact. This combination of swing path and clubface alignment creates a controlled curve that can help golfers navigate challenging fairways and achieve greater distance with control.
How to Identify a Push Draw Shot
Identifying a push draw shot can be done by analyzing the flight and shape of the ball. Here are some key characteristics to look for:
- Starts to the right of the target: A push draw shot typically starts its flight to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers). This initial starting direction is important in distinguishing it from other shot shapes.
- Curves back towards the target: As the ball travels through the air, a push draw shot will gradually curve back towards the target. The curve is usually gentle and controlled, allowing the golfer to navigate tight fairways and achieve greater distance.
- Balanced ball flight: A push draw shot will have a balanced ball flight, meaning that it doesn’t excessively slice or hook. The controlled curve allows for better accuracy and control over the shot.
To further confirm if a shot is a push draw, it is helpful to analyze the golfer’s swing path and clubface alignment at impact. A slightly inside-to-out swing path combined with a slightly closed clubface at impact are indicative of a push draw shot.
By understanding the characteristics and being able to identify a push draw shot, golfers can work towards incorporating this shot shape into their game and enjoy the benefits it offers.
In the next section, we will explore how to hit a push draw shot, starting with the .
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How to Hit a Push Draw Shot
The push draw shot is a powerful and controlled golf shot that can help you navigate the fairways with precision. In this section, we will explore the key elements of executing a push draw shot, including the grip and stance, , and clubface alignment.
Grip and Stance for a Push Draw
The play a crucial role in setting up for a successful push draw shot. To achieve the desired ball flight, it is important to make some adjustments to your usual grip and stance.
When it comes to the grip, you want to slightly weaken your left hand grip if you are right-handed (or right hand grip if you are left-handed). This means rotating your hand slightly counterclockwise on the club. By doing so, you promote a more closed clubface at impact, which is essential for a push draw shot.
In terms of the stance, you want to align your body slightly to the right of the target. This means your feet, hips, and shoulders should be aimed to the right of the target line. This alignment encourages an inside-out swing path, which is necessary for generating the right spin on the ball.
Swing Path for a Push Draw
The swing path is a critical component of hitting a push draw shot. To achieve the desired shot shape, you need to swing the club on an inside-out path.
During the backswing, focus on keeping the clubhead on the inside of the target line. This means avoiding any excessive movement to the outside. Visualize swinging the club along a path that is parallel to your toe line.
As you transition into the downswing, make sure to initiate the movement with your lower body. This helps create the proper sequencing and allows your hands to drop into the correct position. As you swing through the ball, aim to swing the club from the inside, with the clubhead traveling towards the target line.
SAPLIZE 13 Golf Grips with Solvent Kit, Midsize, Multi-compound Hybrid Golf Club Grips, Red ColorBy maintaining an inside-out swing path, you are setting yourself up to strike the ball with a slightly closed clubface, resulting in a push draw shot.
Clubface Alignment for a Push Draw
The clubface alignment is another crucial factor in hitting a push draw shot. To achieve the desired shot shape, you need to ensure that the clubface is slightly closed at impact.
At address, aim to have the clubface pointing slightly to the right of the target. This means the clubface is closed relative to the target line. This closed clubface position, combined with an inside-out swing path, helps create the desired push draw shot.
To check your clubface alignment, you can use alignment sticks or a visual reference on the ground. Place an alignment stick parallel to your target line, and another stick perpendicular to it, pointing towards your feet. At address, the clubface should be aligned with the stick pointing towards your feet, slightly closed to the target line.
Remember, achieving the right clubface alignment takes practice and experimentation. It is important to find the right balance that allows you to consistently hit the push draw shot.
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How to Hit a Push Draw Shot
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Grip and Stance for a Push Draw
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Swing Path for a Push Draw
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Clubface Alignment for a Push Draw
Common Mistakes in Hitting a Push Draw Shot
Overcorrecting to Avoid a Slice
One common mistake golfers make when trying to hit a push draw shot is overcorrecting to avoid a slice. A slice is a shot that curves sharply from left to right for right-handed golfers (or right to left for left-handed golfers). It is a common problem that many golfers face, and it can be frustrating. When trying to hit a push draw, golfers often overcompensate for their tendency to slice by adjusting their swing path too much from outside to inside. This overcorrection can lead to inconsistent results and a loss of control over the shot.
To avoid this mistake, it is important to understand the difference between a slice and a push draw. A slice occurs when the clubface is open relative to the swing path, causing the ball to spin in a clockwise direction (for right-handed golfers). On the other hand, a push draw occurs when the clubface is closed relative to the swing path, causing the ball to spin in a counterclockwise direction.
To correct this mistake, focus on maintaining a balanced swing and a neutral grip. Avoid making drastic changes to your swing path in an attempt to avoid a slice. Instead, work on improving your clubface alignment and swing path to promote a push draw shot. Practice drills that help you develop a consistent swing and proper clubface alignment will be beneficial in overcoming this common mistake.
Incorrect Grip for a Push Draw
Another mistake that golfers often make when trying to hit a push draw shot is using an incorrect grip. The grip is one of the fundamental aspects of a golfer’s technique, and it plays a crucial role in controlling the clubface throughout the swing.
For a push draw shot, the grip should be neutral or slightly strong. A neutral grip means that both hands are positioned comfortably on the club, with the “V” formed by the thumb and index finger of each hand pointing towards the right shoulder (for right-handed golfers). A slightly strong grip means that the “V” of the left hand points towards the right shoulder, while the “V” of the right hand points towards the chin. This grip promotes a closed clubface at impact, which is essential for a push draw shot.
Using an incorrect grip, such as a weak grip (where the “V” points towards the left shoulder) or a strong grip (where the “V” points towards the chin), can result in an open clubface at impact and lead to a slice or a pull hook.
To ensure you have the correct grip for a push draw shot, practice gripping the club properly and seek guidance from a golf professional if needed. Remember that the grip should feel natural and comfortable, allowing you to maintain control over the clubface throughout the swing.
Incorrect Swing Path for a Push Draw
The swing path is another crucial factor in hitting a successful push draw shot. Golfers often make the mistake of having an incorrect , which can result in inconsistent shot patterns and a loss of control.
For a push draw shot, the ideal swing path is from slightly inside the target line to slightly inside the target line. This means that the club should approach the ball from a slightly inside path on the backswing and follow-through, resulting in a swing that promotes a counterclockwise spin on the ball.
One common mistake golfers make is swinging too much from outside to inside, trying to force a draw. This overcorrection can lead to a pull hook or a block. On the other hand, swinging too much from inside to outside can result in a push or a slice.
To correct this mistake, focus on maintaining a balanced and smooth swing. Practice drills that help you develop a proper swing path, such as swinging along an alignment rod or using swing plane training aids. These drills will help you ingrain the correct swing path into your muscle memory and improve your ability to hit a consistent push draw shot.
Drills to Improve Push Draw Technique
One of the best ways to improve your push draw technique in golf is to practice specific drills that focus on different aspects of the shot. These drills will help you develop the necessary skills and muscle memory to consistently hit a push draw shot. In this section, we will explore three key drills that can help you improve your alignment, swing plane, and impact position for a push draw.
Alignment Drill for a Push Draw
Proper alignment is crucial for hitting a push draw shot. This drill will help you ensure that your body and clubface are aligned correctly to achieve the desired shot shape.
To start, set up a target line using two alignment sticks or clubs. Place one stick on the ground parallel to your target line, and the other stick perpendicular to it, forming a T-shape. The perpendicular stick should be a few feet in front of the ball.
Next, position yourself in your regular golf stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and the ball positioned slightly forward in your stance. Align your body parallel to the alignment stick on the ground and make sure your clubface is also aligned with it.
Now, take your normal grip and swing the club back and through, focusing on keeping your body aligned with the target line throughout the swing. The goal is to hit the ball with a slightly closed clubface, creating the desired push draw shot.
Repeat this drill several times, paying close attention to your alignment and clubface position. With practice, you will develop a better sense of alignment and be able to consistently hit a push draw shot.
Swing Plane Drill for a Push Draw
The swing plane is another important factor in hitting a push draw shot. This drill will help you develop the correct swing path to achieve the desired shot shape.
To start, set up two alignment sticks or clubs on the ground, parallel to each other and slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. These sticks will serve as guides for your swing path.
Position yourself in your regular golf stance, with the ball positioned slightly forward in your stance. Take your grip and swing the club back, focusing on keeping it on the inside of the alignment sticks.
As you swing through, continue to follow the path of the alignment sticks, ensuring that your club stays on the inside of the sticks throughout the entire swing. This will promote an inside-out swing path, which is essential for a push draw shot.
Repeat this drill several times, focusing on maintaining the correct swing path. With practice, you will develop a more consistent and effective swing plane for hitting a push draw shot.
Impact Position Drill for a Push Draw
The impact position is crucial for achieving the desired shot shape in a push draw. This drill will help you develop the correct impact position to maximize the effectiveness of your shot.
To start, set up a golf ball on the ground and take your regular golf stance, with the ball positioned slightly forward in your stance. Take your grip and address the ball.
As you swing back and through, focus on maintaining a slightly closed clubface at impact. This means that the clubface should be pointing slightly to the left of your target (for right-handed golfers). This closed clubface position is what creates the desired push draw shot.
To practice this impact position, try hitting a few shots with a half swing, focusing on achieving the correct clubface position at impact. Gradually increase the length of your swing as you become more comfortable with the correct impact position.
Repeat this drill regularly, paying close attention to your clubface position at impact. With practice, you will develop a consistent and effective impact position for hitting a push draw shot.
Advantages of the Push Draw Shot
The push draw shot is a powerful golf technique that offers several advantages to players who can master it. In this section, we will explore three key advantages of the push draw shot: increased distance with control, the ability to navigate tight fairways, and a better shot shape for certain hole designs.
Increased Distance with Control
One of the main advantages of the push draw shot is the ability to achieve increased distance with control. By using this shot, golfers can generate more power and distance compared to other shot shapes like fades or straight shots. The push draw combines the best of both worlds by incorporating a slight draw and a controlled fade.
To achieve this, the golfer must focus on the correct swing path and clubface alignment. The swing path for a push draw shot should follow an inside-to-outside trajectory, allowing the club to approach the ball from the inside. This promotes a slight draw spin, which adds distance to the shot while keeping it under control.
Additionally, the clubface alignment plays a crucial role in achieving the desired push draw shot. The clubface should be slightly closed at impact, promoting a controlled fade. This combination of a slight draw spin and a controlled fade results in a powerful shot that travels farther with accuracy.
Ability to Navigate Tight Fairways
Another advantage of the push draw shot is its ability to navigate tight fairways. Golf courses often feature narrow fairways with hazards on either side, making it challenging to find the ideal landing area. The push draw shot can be a game-changer in such situations.
By using the push draw shot, golfers can start the ball slightly to the right of the target (for right-handed golfers) and gently curve it back to the left. This controlled draw allows the ball to maneuver through tight spaces and land in the desired area. It provides a greater margin for error, reducing the chances of landing in hazards or out-of-bounds areas.
The ability to navigate tight fairways with the push draw shot gives golfers a significant advantage over other shot shapes. It allows them to play more aggressively and take on challenging shots, knowing they have the control and accuracy to execute them successfully.
Better Shot Shape for Certain Hole Designs
In addition to increased distance and the ability to navigate tight fairways, the push draw shot offers a better shot shape for certain hole designs. Golf courses are designed with various hole layouts, including doglegs and holes with strategically placed hazards. The push draw shot can help golfers tackle these designs effectively.
A dogleg hole, for example, requires the golfer to make a sharp turn with their shot. The push draw shot allows golfers to shape their shots around the dogleg, starting the ball to the right and drawing it back towards the center of the fairway. This shot shape enables golfers to position themselves in the best possible location for their next shot, setting up a more advantageous approach to the green.
Similarly, holes with hazards on one side can be challenging to navigate with other shot shapes. The push draw shot provides a controlled fade that keeps the ball away from the hazards, increasing the chances of landing in the fairway or on the green. This shot shape allows golfers to strategically avoid trouble and play safer shots without sacrificing distance or accuracy.
Overall, the push draw shot offers a better shot shape for certain hole designs, giving golfers the opportunity to strategize and execute shots that best suit the course layout.
Push Draw vs. Other Shot Shapes
Push Draw vs. Fade
When it comes to golf shots, there are various shot shapes that players can use to their advantage. One of the most sought-after shot shapes is the push draw. But how does it compare to other shot shapes, such as the fade? Let’s take a closer look.
The push draw shot is characterized by a slight right-to-left curve for right-handed golfers (or left-to-right for left-handed golfers). It starts off with a straight trajectory before gently curving to the left (or right). On the other hand, the fade shot is the opposite of the push draw. It starts off straight and then curves gently to the right (or left).
So, what sets the push draw apart from the fade? One key difference lies in the ball flight. The push draw provides a more controlled and consistent flight path. It allows golfers to accurately predict the ball’s trajectory, making it easier to strategize and plan their shots. In contrast, the fade shot can be more unpredictable, as the ball tends to have a wider curve.
Another advantage of the push draw over the fade is the ability to generate more distance. Due to the nature of the shot, the push draw allows golfers to achieve a longer carry distance while still maintaining control. This can be particularly beneficial when facing long fairways or trying to reach the green in fewer shots.
Push Draw vs. Straight Shot
Now let’s compare the push draw with another popular shot shape – the straight shot. As the name suggests, the straight shot flies in a straight line without any noticeable curve. It is often favored for its simplicity and reliability. However, the push draw offers some unique advantages that may make it a better choice in certain situations.
One advantage of the push draw over the straight shot is the added distance. While the straight shot may be more consistent in terms of accuracy, it often lacks the power to achieve maximum distance. The push draw, with its slight draw bias, allows golfers to generate more power through impact, resulting in longer shots.
Furthermore, the push draw can help golfers navigate tight fairways more effectively. With its controlled curve, the push draw allows players to shape their shots around obstacles and land the ball in a desired location. In contrast, a straight shot may be more prone to veering off course and ending up in unfavorable positions.
Push Draw vs. Pull Hook
Lastly, let’s explore the differences between the push draw and the pull hook. The pull hook is a shot shape that starts left (or right for left-handed golfers) and then sharply curves further to the left (or right). It is often considered an undesirable shot for many golfers, as it can lead to lost balls and difficult recovery shots.
Compared to the pull hook, the push draw offers a more controlled and predictable flight path. While both shots start with a leftward trajectory, the push draw curves gently to the left (or right), allowing golfers to maintain some level of control over the ball. The pull hook, on the other hand, tends to veer off course dramatically, making it more challenging to accurately predict where the ball will end up.
In addition, the push draw provides more distance and control compared to the pull hook. With its controlled curve, the push draw allows golfers to generate power while still maintaining accuracy. This can be particularly advantageous when navigating challenging course layouts or trying to reach distant targets.
In conclusion, the push draw offers numerous advantages over other shot shapes such as the fade, straight shot, and pull hook. It provides a controlled ball flight, increased distance, and the ability to navigate tight fairways effectively. While other shot shapes have their own merits, the push draw remains a popular choice among golfers looking to enhance their game.
