If you're an avid golfer, you know that pulling golf balls is one of the most common problems that golfers face. This problem is especially frustrating because it can lead to missed shots and lost strokes. Fortunately, there are some simple techniques and tips you can use to stop pulling golf balls and improve your game.
What is pulling golf balls?
Pulling golf balls refers to when a golfer hits the ball with an outside-in swing path, causing the ball to travel to the left of the target (for right-handed golfers). This type of shot is undesirable because it can lead to missed shots and lost strokes.
What Causes Golfers to Pull Their Shots?
Before we dive into how to fix a pull, it's important to understand what causes it. There are several factors that can cause a golfer to pull their shots. Here are some of the most common causes of pulling golf balls:
Closed clubface at impact
Too-strong grip on the club
Too-flat swing plane
Poor Alignment
Poor body rotation
Close clubface at impact. A closed clubface at impact can cause the ball to pull to the left. This can be caused by a too-strong grip, a late release, or an incorrect wrist position during the swing.
Too-strong grip on the club. A too-strong grip, in which the golfer's hands are placed too far to the right on the club, can cause the clubface to close at impact and result in a pull shot.
Too-flat swing plane. An outside-in swing path, in which the club is traveling from outside the target line to inside the target line, can cause the ball to pull to the left (for right-handed golfers).
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Poor alignment. Poor alignment, in which the golfer's body and clubface are not properly aligned with the target, can cause the ball to pull to the left. This can be caused by incorrect foot positioning or poor use of alignment aids.
Poor body rotation. physical limitations such as limited mobility or flexibility can cause a golfer to pull their shots. Golfers who have trouble rotating their hips or shoulders, for example, may struggle with an outside-in swing path.
How to Stop Pulling Golf Balls
Although a very common golf error, pulling golf balls is also easily fixed. There are several solutions you can try and all of them are related to knowing the basics and fundamentals of a golf swing.
Check your grip
Fix your swing plane
Correct your body alignment
Practice your swing
Check your grip. One of the most common reasons for a bad shot is a stronger right hand grip. The reason behind this is, your hands are too much on the right side of the club. This would close the clubface thereby increasing the chance of a pull shot.
To fix this, try shifting your hands to the left side of your golf club. This would help give you a square face at impact thereby eliminating any chances of over swinging and thus a pull shot.
Fix your swing plane. The common cause of a pull shot is a too-flat swing plane. To fix this, try focusing on swinging your club on a steeper plane. You can also try taking a more upright stance at address to help promote a steeper swing plane.
Correct your body alignment. Alignment is one of the most important aspects of a successful golf swing. If you're not aligned properly, you're more likely to pull your shots.
To fix this, try focusing on your alignment before each shot. Use alignment aids like alignment sticks or targets to help ensure that your body and clubface are in the perfect position for success.
Practice your swing. The best way to improve your golf game is to practice regularly. Spend time working on your swing and experimenting with different techniques to see what works best for you. Train your golf swing using golf training aids. SwingPro Plus for instance is an innovative golf training aid designed to correct a golfer’s alignment, positioning, grip and stable body rotation.
Try practicing your swing in front of a mirror or recording yourself to see where you may be going wrong. You can also seek the help of a golf coach or instructor to help you identify and fix any issues with your swing.
Pulling golf balls can be frustrating, but it's a common problem that many golfers face. By understanding what causes a pull shot and following these tips and techniques, you can improve your swing and stop pulling your shots. Remember to focus on your grip, swing plane, alignment, and practice regularly to see the best results. With time and effort, you can become a more consistent and successful golfer.
