Push
A push is a ball flight that starts straight to the right of the target and holds that direction without any significant curve — for right-handed players.
The push is one of the nine basic ball flights in golf. It differs from the slice in one crucial point: the slice starts left or middle and then turns right, while the push flies straight right from the very start. The cause lies in the combination of swing direction and clubface. With a push both point right of the target but are almost parallel to each other. That is why the ball is often struck solidly and flies far — just in the wrong direction. The counterpart on the left is the pull.
In practice you recognise the push by its start. Example: you are on the tee of a straight hole, strike the ball cleanly in the middle of the face, and the ball immediately starts right of the fairway bunker and stays there. No turning, no drifting — simply right. On the driving range you check this with alignment sticks: one stick points at the target, one parallel to your feet. Often you are standing aligned right without noticing and swing obediently along your feet — to the right.
The typical misconception: many amateurs confuse push and slice and treat the push with slice medicine, such as a stronger grip or a more closed stance. That often makes things worse, because the real cause lies in the alignment or in a swing path from inside to out. Anyone who regularly pushes should first check stance and target line before tinkering with the swing. By the way, a consistent push is playable — some good players deliberately aim left and let the ball fly straight right.
FAQ
How do I tell a push apart from a slice?
The push starts immediately right of the target and continues dead straight, while the slice starts middle or left and then turns right. The confusion is costly: anyone treating their push with slice medicine such as a stronger grip often makes the fault worse. Look at your start line — it tells you the truth.
Why does my push often fly so far even though it misses?
Because the push is technically a clean shot: face and swing direction both point right but are parallel to each other — the ball is struck in the middle and carries full energy. So it flies far and stable, just in the wrong direction. That makes it easier to correct than curving mishits, because usually you only have to turn alignment and swing path back towards the target.
Can I still play well with a constant push?
Yes, if it really is constant. Some good players deliberately aim left of the target and let the ball fly straight right — a planned miss is better than an unpredictable one. Still, it is worth checking your alignment, because the cause is often nothing more than a skewed stance line rather than a swing quirk.