Golf Swing Block What Causes It and How to Fix It Quickly

Overview

golf swing block what causes it and how to fix it quickly

This guide explains why a blocked golf shot happens, how to identify the exact cause in your swing, and a sequence of drills and quick fixes you can use on the range and course. You will learn how to test for path versus face problems, simple setup and grip adjustments, drills to encourage an inside-down path and a full release, and immediate on-course cues to reduce scores.

Why this matters: a block wastes distance, ruins green position, and adds strokes. Fixing blocks reliably turns errant rightward shots into playable misses or straight shots and improves confidence.

Prerequisites: basic swing knowledge, a driver or 7-iron, two alignment rods or clubs, a smartphone for video, and 30-60 minutes of practice time. Time estimate for full program: 60-90 minutes spread across two sessions, with quick on-course fixes available in under a minute.

Step 1:

golf swing block what causes it and how to fix it quickly

Action: Establish the diagnosis. Determine if the block is caused by an out-to-in swing path, an open clubface at impact, or a lack of release.

Why: Fixing the wrong cause makes drills ineffective. Accurate diagnosis leads to targeted correction and faster improvement.

How to test:

1. Record a face-on and down-the-line video of 6-8 swings at full and 3/4 speed on a 7-iron.
2. Place an alignment rod along your target line and a second rod parallel to it one clubhead width outside the ball to detect path.
3. Observe: ball starts right and keeps going right = block. If the clubhead travels left of the target line at impact and the face looks square or slightly open to that path, path is the primary problem. If the path is neutral but face appears open to the target, face control is the issue.

Example commands:

• Phone: record 1080p 60fps face-on; 1080p 60fps down-the-line.
• Use playback to step through frames around impact.

Expected outcome: Clear identification of path vs face cause, enabling the right next drill.

Common issues and fixes: Poor video angle gives false readings - retake at chest height. Speed blur - use higher frame rate or slower club. Misreading samples - review 6 swings not just one.

Time: ~10 minutes

Step 2:

Fix setup and grip to prevent early open face

Action: Adjust grip strength, ball position, and stance to reduce an open clubface and encourage a release.

Why: A weak grip or open setup makes it mechanically harder to close the face through impact, producing blocks.

Steps:

1. Grip: strengthen your grip one notch. For right-handers, rotate both hands slightly right on the handle so you see 2-3 knuckles on the left hand.
2. Ball position: move the ball slightly back (about 1/2 ball) in the stance for irons to promote earlier contact and prevent late-open faces.
3. Stance: square to slightly closed (toes aim 1-2 degrees left of target) to encourage an inside path.

Example setup checklist:

• Left hand: 2-3 knuckles visible.
• Right hand: cover left thumb slightly.
• Ball position: center to slightly back for mid-irons.
• Feet: square or 1-2 degrees closed.

Expected outcome: Feels easier to release the club and produce shots that start more left or straight, reducing blocks.

Common issues and fixes: Over-rotating grip causes pulls or hooks; if you hook, revert a half notch weaker. If ball goes left consistently, move ball forward one position or open stance slightly.

Time: ~10 minutes

Step 3:

Create an inside takeaway and inside-down path

Action: Train the club to travel inside on the takeaway and start the downswing from the inside to eliminate out-to-in path that causes blocks.

Why: An out-to-in path slaps the ball to the right or produces a block when the face is square to that path. Inside start encourages release and tilt.

Drill 1 - Two-rod gate:

1. Place two alignment rods in the ground forming a narrow gate (one rod outside ball aligned with toe line, second rod a few inches inside the target line near the ball).
2. Make slow swings trying to swing the clubhead through the gate on the takeaway and down into impact.

Drill 2 - Pump drill:

1. Take to the top, pump down to half-attack and back to the top three times, feeling the club travel down the inside.
2. Then make a full swing with the same feeling.

Expected outcome: Club approaches impact from a slightly inside path, reducing blocks and encouraging a draw or straight flight.

Common issues and fixes: Hitting inside rod = too steep or over-the-top. If you hit the rod, slow the transition, and focus on shifting weight to the front foot early.

Time: ~10 minutes

Step 4:

Improve sequencing and stop lateral slide

Action: Use tempo and lower-body sequencing drills to stop early extension and lateral slide that force an out-to-in swing and open face.

Why: Early extension and lateral slide close space for the arms to swing inside, making you throw the club outside to compensate, creating blocks.

Drills:

1. Chair drill: Place a chair or alignment rod behind your hips at address. Make swings without hitting the chair; this enforces maintaining tilt and depth through impact.
2. Step-and-swing: Start with feet together, step to stance on the takeaway, then swing through; the step trains lower-body lead and prevents sliding.

Sequence command example:

• Count 1-2-3 at takeaway: 1 (weight shift), 2 (coil), 3 (down and through).

Expected outcome: Better lower-body lead, less lateral slide, and more consistent inside path and face closure.

Common issues and fixes: Over-rotating hips causes hooks; reduce hip turn and emphasize chest turn. If you still slide, concentrate on pushing the trail foot into the ground during transition.

Time: ~10 minutes

Step 5:

Train a reliable release and impact position

Action: Use an impact bag, towel-under-arms drill, and half-swing release drills to build the feel of a closed or neutral face through impact.

Why: Lack of release or hands trapped behind body leaves the face open through impact and causes blocking.

Drills:

1. Impact bag: hit the bag with short swings focusing on hands ahead of the ball and a square or slightly closed face at contact. Keep chest behind hands.
2. Towel-under-arms: practice 10 half-swings with a towel under both armpits to keep connection and force a unified release.
3. Toe-down drill: Swing slowly and watch clubhead go toe-up at top to toe-down at impact feeling; hold impact pose for 2 seconds.

Expected outcome: More consistent hands-forward impact position, increased likelihood of the face rotating closed relative to path, and fewer blocks.

Common issues and fixes: Hitting the bag too hard = feel-only practice. If towel pops out, your arms are too independent; shorten backswing and repeat.

Time: ~10 minutes

Step 6:

On-course quick fixes and pre-shot cues

Action: Apply quick, repeatable fixes on the course when you need to stop blocking immediately.

Why: You need fast, reliable actions to reduce score damage when a swing rebuild is not possible between holes.

Quick fixes:

1. Aim slightly left (5-10 yards) and close stance to create a margin for error.
2. Take one to two practice swings with focus phrase: “inside start, release.” Make real swing trying to match feel.
3. Grip up half a notch if you suspect face staying open.
4. Use a three-quarter swing - it is easier to control path and face; commit to a full follow-through.

On-course checklist:

• Grip stronger? Yes/No
• Stance closed? Yes/No
• Practice-swing keyword: “inside release”
• Ball position: center/back for irons

Expected outcome: Immediate reduction in blocked shots and safer ball flight into the fairway or green.

Common issues and fixes: Over-correcting left results in hooks; if that happens, halve the change. If you get nervous, revert to 3/4 swing until confident.

Time: ~10 minutes

Testing and Validation

How to verify it works:

1. Range test: Hit 10 balls before and after the program with the same club and ball. Record start direction and dispersion with video or alignment sticks.
2. Checklist: 10 swings with alignment rod down the line, 5 swings with impact bag, 5 on-course attempts with 3/4 swings.
3. Score validation: On course, track whether blocked shots decrease over the next 3 rounds and if fairway/green-in-regulation rates improve.

Pass criteria:

• Fewer than 20% of shots starting right-of-target and continuing right.
• Noticeable reduction in dispersion and more consistent impact position.

Expected time: 15-20 minutes to run the validation drills and 3 rounds to confirm consistent change.

Common Mistakes

1. Fixing face when path is the problem: Many golfers strengthen grip or close face when the real issue is outside-in path. Always diagnose first with video or alignment rods.
2. Making too big an immediate change: Over-rotating grip or wildly closing stance can convert blocks to severe hooks. Make small, reversible adjustments and test.
3. Ignoring lower-body sequencing: Upper-body only fixes may feel better but will not correct underlying swing plane and path problems.
4. Practicing fast and sloppy: Controlled, slow reps with focus on feel and positions are necessary to rewire the motor pattern; speed up only after consistency appears.

Avoid these by recording, using small stepwise changes, and validating with the tests above.

FAQ

How is a Block Different From a Slice?

A block starts right and travels further right with little or no curve, usually from an out-to-in path combined with a face that is not closed. A slice curves progressively right due to a strongly open face relative to the swing path.

Can a Weak Grip Cause a Block?

Yes. A weak grip makes it harder to rotate the hands through impact, leaving the face open and contributing to block shots. Strengthen the grip gradually and test results.

Will Switching to a Draw Grip Fix Blocks Instantly?

Not always. While a stronger grip helps face rotation, if your swing path is severely out-to-in you will still block. Combine grip adjustments with path drills for reliable results.

Is the Impact Bag Necessary?

No, but it is highly effective. The impact bag gives immediate tactile feedback on hand position and impact compression, accelerating learning compared to feel-only practice.

How Long Before I See Improvement?

Some golfers see reduction in blocks in one range session; consistent, repeatable change typically takes several sessions (2-6) and on-course practice over a few rounds.

Should I Use a Launch Monitor?

A launch monitor helps by quantifying face angle, path, and spin. Use it if available for precise diagnosis, but the drills in this guide work without one.

Next Steps

After you reduce or eliminate the block, integrate the corrections into full-swing practice with different clubs, speeds, and lies. Build a progression: 50% controlled swings, 75% rhythm swings, then full swings. Add pressure drills like target-only objectives and on-course challenges to simulate real conditions.

Periodically re-record swings and retest with the validation checklist to keep improvements durable.

Further Reading

• Golf Swing Path How to Hit Straighter Shots Every Time
• Golf Swing Over the Top What Causes It and How to Fix It
• Golf Swing Weight Transfer Secrets Shift Properly For
• Golf Swing Casting How to Stop Early Release for More