MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Push-slice: checks and practice

A golfer swinging a driver from the tee. — Photo: Markus Spiske / Pexels

A push-slice starts toward the trail side and curves farther that way. The face can be open to both the target and the path on centered contact.

Possible causes

Open face relative to target and path
Heel strike with a driver
Compensating aim or rushed setup

Simple checks

Record contact first.
Confirm the ball starts on the trail side before curving.
Test face aim and hand position at low speed.

A practice drill

Use a short iron to hit five balls toward an intermediate start mark. Review whether starts improve without introducing a new curve. Keep notes on strike location.

Avoid this trap

Do not assume the path must be outside-in. A path toward the trail side can still produce this shape if the face points even farther that way.

The checks narrow the possibilities; they do not confirm a diagnosis. Keep a record of several shots and ask a qualified coach to connect the pattern to your swing.