How to Fix Your Push - Hank Haney's Method

Pushing the ball straight to the right (for right-handed golfers) is frustrating because the ball doesn't curve—it just goes right. Hank Haney, former coach of Tiger Woods, explains why this happens and how to fix it.

Unlike a slice, a push is caused by your swing path being aimed right of target with a square clubface. Understanding this helps you fix it effectively.

You'll learn:

• Why you push the ball
• How to fix your alignment and path
• Practice drills
• Common mistakes

Let's get you hitting at your target.

What Causes a Golf Push?

A push occurs when the ball goes straight to the right (for right-handed golfers) because your swing path is aimed right of target with a square clubface.

The Main Causes:

1. Poor alignment - Your body is aimed right of target
2. Inside-out swing path - Your path is too far inside-out
3. Square clubface to path - The face matches the path, so no curve

Why It Matters:

A push costs you accuracy. You're hitting the ball solidly, but in the wrong direction. Fixing it helps you hit your target.

Key Takeaways from Hank Haney's Method

Hank's approach focuses on:

• Alignment is crucial - Your body must be aligned correctly
• Path control - Your swing path determines where the ball goes
• Setup matters - Proper setup makes everything easier
• Practice with purpose - Quality practice produces results

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Check Your Alignment

What to do:

1. Use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground
2. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to your target line
3. Make sure you're not aimed right of target
4. Check from behind the ball

Why it works: If your body is aimed right, your swing will go right. Proper alignment is the foundation.

Common mistake: Aiming right to compensate for a slice, which creates a push.

Step 2: Adjust Your Swing Path

What to do:

1. Your path should be slightly inside-out, not dramatically
2. Feel like you're swinging more down the target line
3. Use alignment sticks to check your path
4. Practice swinging along the target line

Why it works: A path that's too inside-out sends the ball right. A more neutral path helps.

Common mistake: Thinking you need an extreme inside-out path. Slightly inside-out is enough.

Step 3: Square Your Setup

What to do:

1. Make sure your clubface is square to your target
2. Your body should be aligned parallel to the target line
3. Feel balanced and athletic
4. Check your ball position

Why it works: Proper setup makes it easier to swing correctly. Everything starts with setup.

Common mistake: Setting up with your body aimed right, which creates a push.

Drills to Practice This Technique

Drill 1: Alignment Drill

Equipment: Alignment sticks, your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Place alignment sticks on the ground
2. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the sticks
3. Practice swinging along the target line
4. Check your alignment regularly

Reps: 20-30 swings

Success marker: Your body is aligned correctly. You feel balanced and ready.

Drill 2: Path Control Drill

Equipment: Alignment sticks, your driver

How to do it:

1. Place sticks to create a path slightly inside-out
2. Practice swinging down this path
3. Focus on not going too far inside-out
4. Feel like you're swinging more down the line

Reps: 20-30 swings

Success marker: Your path is slightly inside-out, not dramatically.

Drill 3: Target Practice

Equipment: Your 7-iron, targets on the range

How to do it:

1. Pick specific targets on the range
2. Focus on hitting those targets
3. Check your alignment before each shot
4. Adjust based on where the ball goes

Reps: 20-30 shots

Success marker: You're hitting your targets more consistently.

Common Mistakes When Trying This Fix

1. Not checking alignment - Your body might be aimed right. Check it regularly.

2. Overcorrecting - Don't go from too inside-out to too outside-in. Find the middle.

3. Ignoring setup - Setup is the foundation. Get it right first.

4. Not practicing with targets - You need to see where the ball goes. Use targets.

Troubleshooting:

• Still pushing? Check your alignment first—it's usually the culprit.
• Pulling now? Your alignment might be too far left. Find the middle.
• Inconsistent? Focus on setup and alignment. Master them first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fix a push?

Most golfers see improvement within 1-2 weeks of focusing on alignment. Completely fixing a push typically takes 2-3 weeks. The key is checking your alignment regularly.

Is a push better than a slice?

A push is often more consistent than a slice, but both cost you accuracy. The goal is to hit your target.

Should I aim left to fix a push?

No. Fix your alignment and path. Don't compensate by aiming left—that's a band-aid, not a fix.

What if I'm still pushing after trying this?

If you're still pushing:

1. Double-check your alignment—this is usually the issue
2. Use alignment sticks to verify
3. Consider a lesson with a PGA professional
4. Make sure you're practicing with targets

Summary: Your Action Plan

Fixing a push requires proper alignment and path:

The Key Points:

• Check your alignment regularly (feet, hips, shoulders)
• Your path should be slightly inside-out, not dramatically
• Practice with targets to see where the ball goes
• Setup is the foundation—get it right first

Your Practice Plan:

• Week 1: Focus on alignment. Use alignment sticks.
• Week 2: Work on path control. Use path drills.
• Week 3: Combine everything. Practice with targets.

Remember: Alignment is crucial. Check it regularly, and practice with purpose.

The push doesn't have to ruin your game. Start with your alignment today, and commit to consistent practice. You've got this.

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