How to Fix Your Pull - Hank Haney's Method

Pulling the ball straight to the left (for right-handed golfers) is frustrating because the ball doesn't curve—it just goes left. Hank Haney explains why this happens and how to fix it.

Unlike a hook, a pull is caused by your swing path being aimed left of target with a square clubface. Understanding this helps you fix it effectively.

You'll learn:

• Why you pull the ball
• How to fix your alignment and path
• Practice drills
• Common mistakes

Let's get you hitting at your target.

What Causes a Golf Pull?

A pull occurs when the ball goes straight to the left (for right-handed golfers) because your swing path is aimed left of target with a square clubface.

The Main Causes:

1. Poor alignment - Your body is aimed left of target
2. Outside-in swing path - Your path is coming over the top
3. Square clubface to path - The face matches the path, so no curve

Why It Matters:

A pull costs you accuracy. You're hitting the ball solidly, but in the wrong direction. Fixing it helps you hit your target.

Key Takeaways from Hank Haney's Method

Hank's approach focuses on:

• Alignment is crucial - Your body must be aligned correctly
• Path control - Your swing path determines where the ball goes
• Setup matters - Proper setup makes everything easier
• Practice with purpose - Quality practice produces results

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Check Your Alignment

What to do:

1. Use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground
2. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to your target line
3. Make sure you're not aimed left of target
4. Check from behind the ball

Why it works: If your body is aimed left, your swing will go left. Proper alignment is the foundation.

Common mistake: Aiming left to compensate for a hook, which creates a pull.

Step 2: Fix Your Swing Path

What to do:

1. Your path should come from inside-out, not outside-in
2. Start your downswing with your lower body
3. Feel like you're swinging around your body, not across it
4. Use alignment sticks to check your path

Why it works: An outside-in path sends the ball left. An inside-out path helps.

Common mistake: Coming over the top, which creates an outside-in path.

Step 3: Square Your Setup

What to do:

1. Make sure your clubface is square to your target
2. Your body should be aligned parallel to the target line
3. Feel balanced and athletic
4. Check your ball position

Why it works: Proper setup makes it easier to swing correctly. Everything starts with setup.

Common mistake: Setting up with your body aimed left, which creates a pull.

Drills to Practice This Technique

Drill 1: Alignment Drill

Equipment: Alignment sticks, your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Place alignment sticks on the ground
2. Align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the sticks
3. Practice swinging along the target line
4. Check your alignment regularly

Reps: 20-30 swings

Success marker: Your body is aligned correctly. You feel balanced and ready.

Drill 2: Path Control Drill

Equipment: Alignment sticks, your driver

How to do it:

1. Place sticks to create an inside-out path
2. Practice swinging from inside-out
3. Focus on starting with your lower body
4. Feel like you're swinging around your body

Reps: 20-30 swings

Success marker: Your path comes from inside-out, not outside-in.

Drill 3: Target Practice

Equipment: Your 7-iron, targets on the range

How to do it:

1. Pick specific targets on the range
2. Focus on hitting those targets
3. Check your alignment before each shot
4. Adjust based on where the ball goes

Reps: 20-30 shots

Success marker: You're hitting your targets more consistently.

Common Mistakes When Trying This Fix

1. Not checking alignment - Your body might be aimed left. Check it regularly.

2. Coming over the top - Starting with your upper body creates an outside-in path. Start with your lower body.

3. Ignoring setup - Setup is the foundation. Get it right first.

4. Not practicing with targets - You need to see where the ball goes. Use targets.

Troubleshooting:

• Still pulling? Check your alignment first—it's usually the culprit.
• Pushing now? Your alignment might be too far right. Find the middle.
• Inconsistent? Focus on setup and alignment. Master them first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fix a pull?

Most golfers see improvement within 1-2 weeks of focusing on alignment and path. Completely fixing a pull typically takes 2-3 weeks. The key is checking your alignment regularly.

Is a pull better than a hook?

A pull is often more consistent than a hook, but both cost you accuracy. The goal is to hit your target.

Should I aim right to fix a pull?

No. Fix your alignment and path. Don't compensate by aiming right—that's a band-aid, not a fix.

What if I'm still pulling after trying this?

If you're still pulling:

1. Double-check your alignment—this is usually the issue
2. Make sure you're not coming over the top
3. Use alignment sticks to verify
4. Consider a lesson with a PGA professional

Summary: Your Action Plan

Fixing a pull requires proper alignment and path:

The Key Points:

• Check your alignment regularly (feet, hips, shoulders)
• Your path should come from inside-out, not outside-in
• Start your downswing with your lower body
• Practice with targets to see where the ball goes

Your Practice Plan:

• Week 1: Focus on alignment. Use alignment sticks.
• Week 2: Work on path control. Use path drills.
• Week 3: Combine everything. Practice with targets.

Remember: Alignment and path are crucial. Check them regularly, and practice with purpose.

The pull doesn't have to ruin your game. Start with your alignment today, and commit to consistent practice. You've got this.

Related Videos

Continue learning with these related golf instruction videos

push fixes•intermediate

How to Fix Your Push - Hank Haney

Hank Haney

slice fixes•intermediate

How to Fix Your Slice - Hank Haney

Hank Haney

SHORTS

slice fixes•beginner

Quick Slice Fix - Alex Elliott

Alex Elliott