If you are constantly hooking or slicing your shots, you will want to know how to hit a golf ball straight. Clearly, every golfer desires a straight shot because it gives you maximum yardage of the tee. In addition, if you can hit a golf ball straight down the fairway, it makes your approach shot to the green that much easier.

What causes so many golfers the inability to hit a golf ball straight? The first thing to understand is why the golf ball moves to the left (a hook) or to the right (a slice) of the tee. Once you know how to fix a slice or a hook, you will then be in a position to learn how to hit a draw or a fade - which are basically just controlled versions of the hook and the slice but with less movement on the ball.

In this article, I will be describing the causes and cures of a slice; the hook is basically the opposite of the slice, so just reverse the descriptions and cures. A slice occurs when the axis of the ball spins to the right or in a clockwise direction. A slice will end up to the right of the target you are aiming for, and the expression refers to an extreme or unplanned curve in the trajectory of the ball. A “fade” is a less severe version of the slice and is usually intentional.

When you understand the basics of the golf swing you will know that you have to return to the original place at impact if you want to hit the ball squarely and straight. When the club face is open at the point of impact, a slice will occur and the ball will spin in a clockwise direction. Generally, the swing path is correct but the golf ball is not hit squarely at impact; this is normally caused by a “weak grip.”

If you can not hit a golf ball straight, then the first thing to look at is your grip. It doesn’t matter what type of grip you prefer (an interlocking grip, an overlapping grip, or a ten finger grip) the factor that can affect the balls flight path is the strength of the grip. If you want to fix a slice, try moving your hands around to the right into a stronger grip position.

Other factors that can cure a slice are the grip pressure; don’t grip the club so tightly that the muscles of the wrist and forearms are tense. Try to increase the speed of your golf swing, not only will that add more distance it can also cut down on the amount of slice that you impart on the golf ball. The flex of the clubs shaft can also affect your shots; big hitters will need a stiff or extra stiff shaft, medium hitters should use a firm or regular flex, and shorter hitters should use a senior or ladies flex.

The setup position is also important if you want to hit a golf ball straight. Keep everything square and parallel to the target. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be parallel to the target line. With a driver, place the ball opposite the instep of the left foot and don’t stand too close or too far away from the ball - the sole of the club should be grounded and not tilting forwards or backwards.

Remember all the basics of the golf swing; keep your eyes on the ball, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed, spine straight and chin up. I won’t go into detail about the golf swing here, just take your club back straight and bring it down again on the same plane. Maintain the same swing speed throughout the backswing and the downswing - don’t try to over hit the ball.

Finally, another couple of swing faults that will not allow you to hit a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway are the push and the pull. Unlike the slice, the push shot is when the ball goes off directly to the right, and the pull shot is when it goes directly to the left. A push is an action of the golf swing and is normally an in-to-out swing path and the pull is an out-to-in swing path. The push or pull comes from an improper golf swing and not knowing the basics of the swing.