Introduction
If your ball starts right of the target and then bends even further right, you’re dealing with a push slice.
It’s a frustrating miss because it doesn’t feel terrible off the face—you strike it reasonably well, but it never has a chance. The start line is off, and the curve only makes it worse.
In this guide, you’ll fix that by focusing on the one thing that matters most here: clubface control. You’ll learn exactly what’s causing your push slice and the specific changes to make so the ball starts on line and stays there.
What’s Causing This Problem?
A push slice is very predictable:
- Clubface is open to the target → ball starts right
- Swing path is moving right (in-to-out) → ball stays right
- Face is open relative to that path → creates slice spin
Common real-world causes:
- Weak grip that makes it hard to square the face
- Holding the face open through impact (no proper release)
- Body rotates aggressively but hands don’t match it
- Ball position too far back in the stance
- Trying to fix a slice by swinging more right without fixing the face
If you want a deeper explanation, see what causes a golf slice.
How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
1. Strengthen Your Grip Slightly
If the face is open, your grip is the first place to look.
What to do:
- Rotate both hands slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers)
- Lead hand: you should see 2–3 knuckles at address
- Trail hand: sits more underneath the grip, not directly on top
Checkpoint:
Hit a few shots. If the ball starts less right—even if it begins to hook—you’ve improved face control.
For a full breakdown, see fixing slice with grip changes.
2. Fix the Clubface Before You Touch Your Swing Path
Your path is already moving right. That’s not the issue.
The problem is the face being open relative to that path.
What to do:
- On the downswing, feel like the clubface is slightly more closed earlier
- At waist height (lead arm parallel), the face should feel more “toe down” than open
Simple test:
- Ball starts straighter or slightly left → face improving
- Ball still starts right → face still open
You’re not trying to change your path—you’re trying to match the face to it.
3. Move the Ball Slightly Forward
Impact position matters more than most golfers realise.
What to do:
- Move the ball half a ball forward in your stance
- Keep everything else the same
This gives the clubface more time to square before impact.
Quick check:
If your strike feels early or you’re hitting down too steeply, your ball position is likely too far back.
4. Add a Proper Release Through Impact
Most push slices come from holding the face open through impact.
What to do:
- Feel like your trail hand rotates over the lead hand after impact
- Let the clubhead pass your hands rather than lagging behind
Good feel:
Let the toe of the club turn over through the strike.
Start with half swings. If you go full speed immediately, you’ll revert to your old pattern.
For more detail, see how to square the clubface at impact.
5. Check Your Alignment (Often the Hidden Cause)
Many golfers with a push slice are unknowingly aimed left.
That forces a compensation: swinging right to hit the target.
What to do:
- Place a club on the ground pointing at your target
- Set your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to it
Reality check:
What feels square will likely look slightly right at first. That’s normal.
Simple Drills That Actually Work
Face Control Drill (Start Line Fix)
- Place two tees just wider than your clubhead, 1–2 feet in front of the ball
- Hit shots through the gate
Focus:
Start the ball slightly left of your usual push.
If you can control the start line, you’re controlling the clubface.
Alignment Stick Drill
- Place one stick at your target
- Place another parallel to it at your feet
Before every shot, step back and check your alignment.
Most golfers skip this—and stay stuck.
Follow the full guide: alignment stick drill.
Release Drill (Toe Over Feel)
- Make waist-high to waist-high swings
- Exaggerate the feeling of the clubface closing
Goal:
Turn your slice into a draw—even if it’s overdone at first. Then gradually reduce the exaggeration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to fix swing path when the issue is the clubface
- Swinging further right, which makes the push worse
- Keeping a weak grip because it feels comfortable
- Aiming left and compensating with your swing
- Holding the face open to “guide” the ball
If you’re also dealing with a standard slice, read how to fix a golf slice.
Recommended Equipment (That Actually Helps)
1. Offset Drivers (for slicers)
- Designed to help square the clubface more easily
- Reduce right-side misses straight away
- Useful for beginner and intermediate golfers
2. Low Spin Golf Balls
- Reduce side spin and curve
- Turn a large miss into something more manageable
See: best golf balls for slicers
3. Swing Trainers (Face Control Focus)
- Improve awareness of clubface position
- Help train a proper release pattern
- Ideal for short, consistent practice sessions
See: best training aids for slice
Quick Summary
- Push slice = ball starts right and curves further right
- Main issue is an open clubface at impact
- Strengthen your grip to help square the face
- Focus on closing the face earlier in the downswing
- Move the ball slightly forward
- Add a natural release through impact
- Fix alignment to avoid compensations
FAQs
Why does my ball start right and slice more?
Because the clubface is open at impact and your swing path is moving right. The face controls start direction; the path controls curvature.
Is a push slice better than a regular slice?
Yes. Your path is already closer to neutral or inside. You mainly need to fix the clubface.
Should I try to swing more left to fix it?
No. That often creates a pull slice. Fix the clubface first.
Can grip alone fix a push slice?
In many cases, yes. A slightly stronger grip makes it much easier to square the clubface.
Why is it worse with my driver?
The longer shaft and lower loft exaggerate face control issues. See fixing a slice with driver for more detail.
For a complete system to fix all slice patterns, start with how to fix a golf slice and build from there.
