Driving · Tip
Aim Your Driver Face Before Anything Else
Part of our driving programs for slice, push or pull. Build a program with it
A driver is tricky to aim. The face is curved, so there's no straight edge to line up like an iron. So make aiming the face your first step. Stand behind the ball and pick your line. Set the club down with your trail hand only. Point the face at the middle of the fairway. Then add your lead hand and set your feet. When you look at the target, turn your head in place. Don't lift it. If the face is aimed wrong, the rest of the swing can't save you.
Step by step
- Pick your line from behind the ball.
- Set the face with your trail hand only.
- Aim it at the center of the fairway.
- Add your lead hand, then your feet.
- Turn your head to look; don't lift it.
Why it works
The face angle at impact controls most of the starting direction of the ball. If you set the face first, you build your grip, stance and alignment around a known aim. If you set your feet first, you tend to square the face to your body instead of to the target, and a face that points right of your line gives you a push.
Common mistakes
- You set your feet first and then drop the club in front of them.Aim the face first with your trail hand only, then build your stance around it.
- You aim the face at the far edge of the fairway or at a distant tree you can't judge well.Pick a small spot a few feet in front of the ball on your line and aim the face at the center of the fairway.
- You lift your head to look at the target, which changes your posture and the face angle.Keep your chin where it is and turn your head in place to look, then turn it back.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts left of the push line, near the center of the fairway you aimed at.
- Your first swing from a fresh setup starts on the same line as your second.
- Standing behind the ball, the face still looks pointed at your spot after you add your lead hand.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice with an alignment stick or a club laid on the ground pointing at your target, and set the face square to it.
Harder: Do it in a full pre-shot routine with a different target each time, and hit without re-checking the face.
Common questions
Why do I push my driver to the right?
For a right-hander, a push usually means the face points right of your target at address or impact. Aiming the face first removes one common cause.
Should I aim the clubface or my feet first with a driver?
Aim the clubface first. Your feet, hips and shoulders should then be set to match that line.
