Push Slice in Golf: What It Is, Causes & How to Fix It

TL;DR

A push slice starts right and curves farther right. Fix it by closing the clubface and neutralizing your swing path.

Key Takeaways

• Push slice = starts right + curves more right (for right-handers)
• Caused by inside-out path + open clubface
• Different from a push (no curve) or slice (starts straight or left)
• Fix with stronger grip, squared alignment, clubface rotation, and neutral path
• Use drills like Headcover, Toe-Up, Trail Hand, and equipment like draw-biased drivers

What Is a Push Slice?

A push slice is a golf shot that starts to the right of the target line and curves even farther right (for right-handed golfers). It combines two swing flaws:

• An inside-out swing path (club traveling to the right of the target at impact)
• An open clubface (pointing right of the swing path and target)

This ball flight pushes right and curves farther right, often ending in rough or worse.

It’s a common miss for amateurs, especially with the driver, and is more severe than a regular slice or push because it adds both directional error and curved spin.

Push Slice vs Push vs Slice

The table below compares Push, Slice, and Push Slice across four key factors: Start Direction, Curve, Typical Cause, and Miss Result (for right-handed golfers).

Key Summary

• Push = direction error only
• Slice = spin/curve error
• Push Slice = worst of both, right-start + right curve

What Causes a Push Slice?

A push slice is caused by an inside-out swing path combined with an open clubface at impact.

Common contributing factors include: weak grip, poor alignment, ball too far back in stance, open clubface, late hand release, and overactive body rotation.

• Weak grip: Lead hand too far under the club, causing an open face.
• Open clubface at impact: Often from poor hand rotation or grip issues.
• Inside-out swing path: Club moves too far from inside to outside the target line.
• Poor alignment: Shoulders, hips, or feet aimed too far right.
• Ball too far back in stance: Promotes push-start and open face.
• Late hand release: Clubface stays open due to inactive arms or overactive body rotation.

How to Fix a Push Slice

To fix a push slice, you need to square the clubface and neutralize your swing path.

Key fixes include: strengthening your grip, squaring your alignment, closing the clubface, moving the ball forward, timing your release, and training a more neutral swing path.

• Strengthen Your Grip: Turn your lead hand slightly clockwise (right-handers) so you see 2–3 knuckles. This helps square or close the face.
• Square Your Alignment: Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line. Don’t aim right to “compensate.”
• Close the Clubface: Focus on rotating the clubface through impact. Practice “toe release” drills to encourage face rotation.
• Move the Ball Forward: Position the ball more forward in your stance (especially with driver) to square the face at impact.
• Time Your Release: Use drills to ensure your hands release properly through impact—don’t let your body outrun your arms.
• Train a Neutral Path: Use alignment sticks or path drills to shift from excessive inside-out to a more neutral path.

Best Drills for Push Slice

The best drills to fix a push slice are the Headcover Drill, Toe-Up Drill, Alignment Stick Path Drill, Swing Plane Trainer, and Trail Hand Release Drill. These drills help correct your swing path and improve clubface control through impact.

Headcover Drill

Place a headcover just outside the target line near the ball. It trains you to avoid swinging too far from the inside, promoting a straighter path.

Toe-Up Drill

Take slow half-swings and check that the clubface is toe-up at waist height. This encourages proper face rotation and prevents an open face.

Alignment Stick Path Drill

Set an alignment stick on the ground, slightly outside and parallel to your target line. Use it to guide your swing path from inside-out to more neutral.

Swing Plane Trainer

Use a swing plane aid (or setup two alignment rods) to help keep your backswing and downswing on the correct arc.

Trail Hand Release Drill

Hit short shots using only your trail hand. This builds the feel of squaring the face through impact and encourages better timing in the release.

Equipment Tweaks to Help

The best equipment tweaks to fix a push slice include using a draw-biased driver, higher loft, upright lie angle, and the right shaft flex for your swing. These changes help reduce side spin, close the clubface, and promote straighter ball flight.

Draw-Biased Driver: Drivers with heel-weighted or offset designs promote clubface closure and reduce slice spin.

Higher Loft: More loft increases backspin and reduces sidespin, making it easier to hit straighter shots.

Upright Lie Angle: Clubs with a more upright lie angle help the face point less right at impact, reducing push and slice tendencies.

Shaft Flex: A shaft that’s too stiff can leave the face open. Use a flex that matches your swing speed to improve timing and face control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a push and a push slice?

A push starts right and flies straight with no curve. A push slice starts right and curves even farther right due to an open clubface.

Is a push slice caused by swing path or clubface?

Both. A push slice happens when you have an inside-out swing path and an open clubface at impact.

Why do I only push slice my driver, not irons?

Drivers have less loft and longer shafts, which magnify spin and direction errors, making push slices more common.

Can a weak grip cause a push slice?

Yes. A weak grip makes it harder to square the face, leading to shots that start right and slice more.

Will switching to a draw-biased driver help?

Yes. A draw-biased driver helps close the face and reduce slice spin, making it easier to hit straighter drives.