Push Shot (out of no where)

[mdouet]

I recently go back into golf after taking over 7 months off (was getting frustrated with my swing). After a couple of weeks of range time (and a refresher lesson from my pro) I finally got my swing back, at least for my wedges and short-mid irons (been focusing on just these clubs to work on crisp contact).

I can now hit the ball high and straight, which is a huge improvement, so during my last range session I decided to move up to my 6 iron and I immediately started hitting push shots, so I figured I'd go back to my PW and figure out what I'm doing wrong (figured it was due to the longer club), but when I went back to my PW I was pushing with it as well, I was hitting it pure and straight before, what happened?

One thing I will mention is it was very hot that day and I was nearing the end of my bucket of balls, so fatigue could have been a factor there, was just curious if anyone can think of anything that would cause push shots after moving to a longer club?

[CG031]

When I do not complete my shoulder turn going back, I push the ball wayy right. Just make sure you get that full, and complete turn back.

[mdouet]

Well that might be my problem right there, when I start mishitting the ball I tend to go back to a shorter swing, so this could be the cause. I was also very tired at the time (100 degree heat index here in Houston), so I do think fatigue played a huge factor in me not making a full turn. I'll be sure to keep that in mind next time I hit the range.

[mdouet]

Well I took your suggestion and focused on getting a full turn back (making sure my shoulder meets my chin at the top of my backswing), but I'm still hitting a ton of push shots. I think my issue is either that I'm not releasing the club properly or I'm not turning through the ball (staying stuck on my right side). Any other suggestions?

[umpiremark]

I'm gonna guess your weight is staying on your right side. Make sure you make that PGA finish pose at the end and your belt buckle points to the target and the guy behind you can see the spikes on your right shoe.

[mdouet]

One drill that I started doing that seems to help with this as well is placing a broken tee in front of my ball, forces me to hit through the ball, which doesn't let me stay stuck on my right side like I seem to be doing. I started hitting alot straighter after doing this drill and focusing on going to a full balanced finish. I still have push shots now and again so it's not engrained yet, but I'll keep at it until it is. Thanks for the help.

[mdouet]

I was searching on google and found a couple other causes of the push shot that might be causing it for me:

- Ball too far back in stance: I tend to do this especially with my wedges, I'll try to move my ball a little forward next time I hit a push to see if this helps.

- Stance to wide: This could definitely be the case, I tend to have a rather wide stance because I feel unbalanced if I narrow it too much. I'll make this adjustment next time I hit a push to see if it helps.

If there are any others let me know, I'd really like to get this figured out, this is the only thing keeping me from playing, I'm getting the ball up in the air and my distance is good, I just need to be able to hit it straight.

[umpiremark]

I highly reccommend these two books because you are a 36 hndcp and you are trying so very hard to improve (nice job).

The swing book is great, gives you a foundation for an effortless swing. Do and practice the 'lighthouse swing' (in the book) until you can do it in your sleep.

Read the tempo book and do everything he says, exactly the way he says it.

For 40 bucks, (amazon.com) these books are priceless for a great foundation to the swing and for swing tempo. I cannot reccommend these enough. Turned my game around this summer, so far.

Tour Tempo: Golf's Last Secret Finally Revealed
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038...pf_rd_i=507846


The Keys to the Effortless Golf Swing: Curing Your Hit Impulse in Seven Simple Lessons
http://www.amazon.com/Keys-Effortles...5946547&sr;=1-1

Stay motivated ... good luck!!

[mdouet]

Thanks for the recommendations on the books, will definitely check those out. As for motivation, I have plenty of that, I've been hitting the range every night this week trying to improve my swing. I just want to be able to have a good enough swing where I can get the ball in the air and have it go somewhat straight so I can play a round and enjoy the game. I feel like I'm halfway there, if I can just get rid of this push I would be set.