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Ball Flight Tip Sheets

From Roger Gunn, for About.com

4 of 6

Pull

Pull Trajectory - Ball Flight

The pull ball flight from the perspective of a right-handed golfer.

Illustration by William Glessner
(Editor's Notes: A pull is the opposite of a push. The ball starts out flying left of the target line (for right-handers) and continues traveling left in a straight line (no additional curve, as with a hook), finishing well left of the target. The divot will also point to the left. The tips below are written by instructor Roger Gunn, from the perspective of a right-hander; lefties should reverse the directional elements.)

Diagnosing the Pull

Grip
The grip is not normally a factor with a pull.

Set-up
Make sure you are not aiming too far left, or that your shoulders are pointing too far left.

Ball Position
You might have the ball too far forward in your stance. This causes you to catch the ball when the club is swinging back to the left.

Backswing
The club is likely being pushed outside the target line on the way back. The club should track a gentle arc on the way back. The club should be over your shoulder at the top, not over your head.

Downswing
Your arms are likely pushing away from your body at the transition. Keep your arms in so that they pass close to the right pants pocket on the approach. Make sure your head doesn't move toward the target until after impact.

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