With a new golf season upon us it's time to break out the clubs and play some great golf. When swing problems occur which they will for all of us I want to help you understand why something went wrong and how to fix it.

Remember the ball reacts to the clubface only. There are three variables that will determine the flight of the ball.They are: (1.) the direction of the clubface traveling, angle of approach.(2.) the direction it is facing at impact,(3.) the speed it is traveling. By observing the flight of the ball it can tell you many things about your swing path.

Here are a few tips that will help you analyze your faults:
Do you pull your shots? Is the ball flying off line to the left of target? This could be caused by any of these faulty moves: The right side overpowering the left side throwing the clubhead to the outside on the downswing. The left wrist cupping as and prior to impact. Or shoulders in an open position at impact.

Corrections:(1.) Keep the right forearm below the left forearm through impact.(2.) Grip firmly with the little finger of the left hand as this will firm up the wrist.(3.) The club will follow the shoulders therefore they should parallel the line of flight at impact. Do not allow the right shoulder to pass the ball until after contact.

Do you push your shots? The push is the opposite of the pull. The ball flies to the right of your target.

Problems: (1.) If the contact with the ball is solid the chances are that is is a timing issue. The hands are too far ahead of the clubhead,causing the clubface to be out of line to the right.(2.) Clubhead traveling from inside to out with the clubface slightly open.(3.) Blocking the left arm rotation in the forward swing.
Corrections: (1.) Improve balance, Keep your body centered.(2.) Setup planeswing with your shoulders. This will keep the club from traveling too far to the inside on the downswing trapping yourself. (3.) Trying to keep the clubface square to your target too long after impact. The right forearm must cross over the left forearm in the follow-through.

Keep an eye on your grip. The hands,placed on the club too far to the left most certainly create an open face alignment which is a recipe for problems.Since the hands are the only contact you have with the club make sure your grip is correct.

next week: Correcting your slice