Fix Your Iron Push: Straighten Your Golf Shots Today
The dreaded 'iron push' – your golf ball sailing straight right without sidespin – is frustrating. A common ailment for golfers, it leads to lost shots and dented confidence. But it's not a permanent flaw. With key adjustments to your setup and impact, you can banish the iron push for good.
Why It Happens: Unpacking the Iron Push
An iron push occurs when your clubface is open to your swing path at impact, causing the ball to start and continue straight right. The culprits often stem from your setup and club delivery.
Firstly, incorrect alignment is a huge factor. Many golfers unknowingly aim right, especially with irons. To compensate, they might swing ‘over the top’ or ‘hold off’ the club, keeping the clubface open.
Secondly, if your clubface isn't square at address, you're at a disadvantage. An open clubface before the swing makes squaring it at impact much harder.
Finally, a lack of proper club release through impact is crucial. The release is the natural unhinging and rotation of wrists and forearms, allowing the clubhead to pass the hands and square the face. Holding off the club or steering prevents this essential squaring action.
The Fix: A Step-by-Step Guide to Straighten Your Irons
Tackling the iron push requires a systematic approach, focusing on fundamentals.
Master Your Alignment
Before swinging, establish correct alignment. Use two alignment sticks: one at your target, another parallel for your feet. Practice setting up with feet, hips, and shoulders all parallel to your target line. Pick an intermediate target just ahead of your ball to guide your setup.
Ensure a Square Clubface at Address
At address, the clubface's leading edge must be perpendicular to your target line. Visually confirm this. A neutral grip also promotes a square clubface; an overly strong or weak grip can cause premature opening or closing.
Embrace the Release Through Impact
This is often the most challenging yet rewarding fix. Feel the clubhead 'release' past your hands through the hitting zone. Avoid steering. Instead, allow your wrists to unhinge naturally and your forearms to rotate. Imagine throwing the clubhead towards the target. Your body rotation, not just your arms, should drive this release. For right-handers, your right palm should feel like it's rotating down towards the ground after impact.
Drill for a Confident Release: The L-to-L Drill
To help you feel that crucial release, try the 'L-to-L' drill. Take a half swing, making an 'L' shape with your lead arm and club shaft at the top of your backswing. As you swing through, rotate your body and allow your wrists to unhinge, creating another 'L' shape with your trail arm and club shaft after impact. The clubhead should accelerate through the ball, finishing with a full, uninhibited extension towards the target. Practice without a ball first, then introduce one, maintaining that free, flowing release.
Conclusion: Consistency Through Fundamentals
Eliminating the iron push comes down to solid fundamentals and trusting your swing. Regularly check alignment and ensure a square clubface at address. Then, focus on that natural, uninhibited release through the ball. With practice, your irons will fly straight and true. For instant feedback on your alignment and swing path, consider CaddieIQ – your free AI golf caddie app.
Related tips
Get this kind of advice on every shot
CaddieIQ is your free AI golf caddie - instant club & shot advice, swing fixes and a daily tip.
Try CaddieIQ free