How to Stop Hooking the Ball

While slicing the ball is probably the most common flaw

that beginner golfers have problems with, the second largest

mistake made is called the hook. It is the exact opposite of

the slice, but equally frustrating

A hook is the result of the ball hit with a low tee shot

which goes straight for a while but all of a sudden makes a

sharp left turn and gets buried in the woods, sunk in a water

hole, or lands in the rough.

The Problem Is Simple

Golfers that are prone to making hook shots often have the

clubface closed in relation to their swing path. This causes

the ball to sidespin counterclockwise (when talking about

right-handed golfers) and hooks the ball to left.

The issue is not hard to figure out, nor is it rocket science.

It is just a matter of common physics. The clubface is simply

closing in too soon which makes it point to the left of the

target when impact occurs.

Check Your Body

If you have a problem with hooking the ball, you will soon

discover that you are probably swinging with far too much hand

and arm force, and not enough movement with the body.

Your problem which is causing your ball to end up hooking is

because the clubhead gets warped into the closed position from

all of your upper body movement and the hips never open up

completely. This habit of closing your hips and having too much

force from the arms and hands will almost always result in a hook.

It is inevitable.

The problem may also lie within your grip. Often times, golf

players who hook the ball tend to be using too strong of a grip.

The clubface tends to be closed when impact occurs because there

are more than three or so knuckles showing on the left hand at

address. Reduce your grip and maneuver the hands so that only

two knuckles are showing. This can help immensely and sometimes

cures the issue immediately.

Hit 'em straight
JJ

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David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today.

Having confidence in your game

Recently I played a few rounds with some new players

I had met while travelling.

During these three rounds I found a common theme and

it jumped out at me like a snake in the grass.

This has inspired my thoughts on how your confidence

can effect your game and certainly your score.

I encountered three different golfers who were

undermining their own games and probably

didn't even know it.

You may recognize them in your playing partners.

Here is what they said -- out loud.

"I can't putt, probably won't make this"

-- This one was from 3 feet out.

"I hate sand shots"

"I can't hit over water. Got a bag full of old balls

so when I get to water holes, I pull 'em out"

Oh, and I should mention they said these things repeatedly.

I used to be the "I hate sand shots" guy till I

learned how to hit from sand and NOW when I am in sand,

I still think up and down in two.

Why?

Because, your brain and your body respond positively

to the messages you send it.

You control those thoughts when you see your

ball 'at the beach'.

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So what is the thing you have low confidence in

when you approach it?

Is it any of these?

- hitting over water

- hitting a 3 wood on the fairway

- hitting into wind

- 2 foot putts

- dog leg left (when you slice)

- green-side or fairway bunkers

- "insert fear of your choice here"

- teeing off on the first tee and an audience

- 18th hole of match play and being up/down by one

What thoughts go though your head and what do you say out loud?

Since this is a GAME its time to play a GAME with your mind.

You see wind, you smile.

You imagine you love to hit into wind AND you say out loud,

"I love to hit these shots"

You picture the one time you did it right.

Then you go into your pre-shot routine (you do have one right?)

and step up to the ball and do not hesitate.

If, by some outside chance an old thought patter creeps

back into your mind, step away from the ball and start again.

You will truly smile when this works for you.

I hope you master ALL of the thoughts that decrease

your confidence or hold you back.

Hit em straight
JJ

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David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today.