Driving · Lesson
A Quick Checklist for Your Hook
Part of our driving programs for slice, hook, topped or thin. Build a program with it
A hook is the mirror image of a slice. The face is closed to the path, and the ball dives left for a right-hander. Most hooks don't need a new swing. They need a short checklist. Start with your grip. A very strong top hand is a common cause. Then check ball position and aim. Last, make sure your body keeps turning through impact. If it stops, your hands take over and shut the face. Fix one thing, then test before moving on.
Step by step
- Turn your top hand slightly toward the target if you see three or more knuckles.
- Make sure the ball isn't too far forward.
- Check that you're not aimed right.
- Keep your chest turning through the ball.
- Hold your finish, then fix the next item only if needed.
Why it works
A hook happens when the clubface points well left of the swing path at impact, which puts sidespin on the ball that curves it left for a right-hander. A very strong grip, a ball too far forward, or an aim point right of the target all make the face close more easily. When your chest stops turning, your hands and arms rotate to catch up, and that rotation shuts the face. A checklist works because it removes one cause at a time, so you can see which one was the real problem.
Common mistakes
- You change the grip, ball position, aim and body turn all at once.Change one item, hit a few balls, and only move to the next item if the ball still hooks.
- You turn your top hand back but leave the bottom hand strong underneath it.Set both palms facing each other so the hands work as a pair, with the V shapes pointing between your chin and right shoulder.
- You aim the clubface at the target but set your body and feet to the right.Lay a club along your toes and check that it points parallel to the target line.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your target line or slightly right and no longer dives left in the air.
- Your chest faces the target or slightly left of it when you hold your finish.
- You feel the club swing past your body instead of your hands flipping over through impact.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Hit short, half-swing shots with a middle iron so you can focus on the grip and chest turn without speed.
Harder: Hit the driver and pick a start line and a fairway target, then repeat the checklist until you can keep the ball in the fairway on several shots in a row.
Common questions
What is the most common cause of a hook?
A clubface that is closed to the swing path at impact is the direct cause. A very strong grip and hands that take over when the body stops turning are the usual reasons.
Can a ball position cause a hook?
Yes. If the ball is too far forward, you can reach it with the face already closing. Move it back toward the middle of your stance for irons and slightly inside your lead heel for the driver.
