Getting past a hook

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By Joseph R

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  • 12 Replies
  1. Joseph R

    Joseph R
    Fenton, MI

    Just stepping out onto the course after a long winter in Michigan, and I have always had a draw, but right now I am struggling with a hook. I have watched several videos on how to get rid of a snap hook, and am looking for some advice as far as what my hands should feel like in the back swing. This is only happening with my driver, as I am able to work the ball well with my irons and hybrid. With the drive right now I can open up the face, but feel like my right hand is closing too quick. Any suggestions?

  2. Ben A

    Ben A
    Los Gatos, CA

    I've struggled with a hook over the past year and then got scared to hook and turned it into a slice... what a mess.

    I finally figured out why I was hooking and it wasn't my hands at all. I was turning my upper body through the ball instead of stopping my shoulders. Hips continue to turn, upper body should stop for the swing.

    There are a couple drills you could try, like the Sledgehammer Drill (google it), but you hit into an impact bag and let go of your right hand at impact (bag should be at forward toe). At impact, shoulders square and both arms straight.

    Another good drill is a release drill that you hit a ball and let go of your right hand AT IMPACT and keep your right/lead arm at that same point.

    Not sure if that's what you're doing or not, but it helped me.

    GOOD LUCK!
  3. I've been fighting a hook for 15 years. Hit balls with your feet together and swing at 80%, it will work with every club. I have even played entire rounds like this. You will feel yourself turning, slowly widen your stance as you get straightened out.
  4. Gary D

    Gary D
    Cranston, RI

    Simple solution to hooking the ball with your driver is to make sure you get over onto your left side with your swing. You're probably holding back on your right side and not getting your weight forward. Try concentrating on getting to your left side and your hook should disappear. (Provided you're a right handed golfer)
  5. Tom B

    Tom B
    Northborough, MA

    SLOW DOWN! Start over, with your swing, going painstakingly slow. Feel your swing, slow. slow, slow. Then start hitting some balls, again slow, slow. You'll begin to feel what's right and keep from getting ahead of yourself, and you can very slowly built it back up to speed, up to 80%. You should be able to get rid of the bad influences and get your swing back on pace.
  6. Allen L

    Allen L
    Clarington, OH

    I go through the hooks, and the really ugly diving hooks every now and then, and like you its always the driver. Usually I lay down alignment sticks, one for my feet and one at the ball, sticks parallel. Take the club straight back as long I can, repeat for several drives and it takes my swing back to my version of normal abnormal. If you know a good pro they can usually spot the problem pretty quick.

    Good luck ...
  7. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    You have to be REALLY careful with a hook. I'm a long hitter (115-120) , and I have had battles with the club coming in on top of the plane, which means the handle is well above the position at address. You have to try and slow down your arms a little to get in sync. Start with putting the driver away for a minute, and get your tempo and sequence in the right place......
  8. Justin V

    Justin V
    Milton, MA

    Hi Joseph - just keep in mind, a hook is only a minor change away from great golf!! B.A. is definitely right, getting quick can certainly turn a good swing into a hook swing. Also, check your grip - a long hibernation may have caused those hands to get a bit to strong, closing your face significantly at impact. Grip and grip pressure, along with the point above should get you there! Hit em well!
  9. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    The same thing that causes a slice also causes a snap hook. The dreaded "over the top" motion.

    Being too close to the ball causes a lot of this. If you take it inside you block it. If you take it outside you get over the top.
  10. Benjamin D

    Benjamin D
    Rockwall, TX

    Try hitting a push.
  11. Mitchk2

    Mitchk2
    Fresno, CA

    I recently found that a tighter left hand grip (for a right handed swinger) has helped take away the snap hooks for me. Seems simple, but it's worked for me
  12. Holding the weight back on your right side, if you're right handed, will cause you to slice the ball. There's a good chance that you have too much lateral movement in your hips which is causing your body to get ahead of your hands. When this happens, your hands do everything they can to try to catch up which causes the club face to closed, leading to a hook. One easy drill you can do to help with this is stand with your feet completely together and hit balls from this position instead of your regular stance. After you get comfortable you can start taking bigger swings while still keeping your feet together. When doing this, really focus on keeping your balance and not falling out of the stance. I recently struggled with a hook and this drill has brought it back to a three yard draw.
  13. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military

    Johnathan W said:

    Holding the weight back on your right side, if you're right handed, will cause you to slice the ball. There's a good chance that you have too much lateral movement in your hips which is causing your body to get ahead of your hands. When this happens, your hands do everything they can to try to catch up which causes the club face to closed, leading to a hook. One easy drill you can do to help with this is stand with your feet completely together and hit balls from this position instead of your regular stance. After you get comfortable you can start taking bigger swings while still keeping your feet together. When doing this, really focus on keeping your balance and not falling out of the stance. I recently struggled with a hook and this drill has brought it back to a three yard draw.

    That does work well.......I can hit 120 mph again after doing that drill diligently for a week......And I'm in my 50's.....lol

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