How To Hit A Hook In The Golf Swing

By: Brian Hill

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Knowing how to hit a hook in the golf swing enables you to shape your shot to fit the contour of a hole that bends from right to left. A hook is a golf shot that curves from right to left. Golfers also call this type of shot a “draw.” Being able to curve your shots helps you avoid trouble such as trees and water hazards. The hook or draw is not a difficult shot to learn. Subtle changes in your grip, stance and swing allow you to hit a consistent, controlled hook that can add distance to your drives and make you a better strategic golfer.

  1. Use a strong grip. The thumb and forefinger of both hands form a “V” shape when a golfer grips the club. By turning both Vs slightly to the right, the grip is referred to as a strong grip. Looking down at your hands, you can see three knuckles of your left hand, compared to two with your normal grip. Employing the strong grip can help you curve the ball from right to left.
  2. Aim to the right and close the clubface. Take your stance so your feet and shoulders are aimed right of your intended target. Turn the clubface so it is aimed directly at your target. This is called a closed clubface position. As a result of aiming right and closing the clubface, the flight of the ball will start out to the right, and then curve back toward the left, ending up right on target. Understanding how to hit a hook in the golf swing begins when you take your stance.
  3. Swing back low. Imagine a line showing how your feet and shoulders are lined up. Take the club back inside this line rather than parallel to it. This means taking the club back low rather than picking the club up as you swing back. Starting the club back in this inside position facilitates curving the ball from right to left.  
  4. Take a rounded swing. Make a more rounded swing than you would normally do. Make it less upright. This will help impart the right to left movement you are trying to achieve as you develop the skill of how to hit a hook in the golf swing.
  5. Keep grip pressure light. You want your hands to release as you swing through the ball. If they don’t, the clubface will be open and you will hit the ball to the right. Golfers call this blocking the shot. Make sure you don’t grip the club too hard, which makes it more difficult for the hands to release. Gripping the club lightly allows you to more easily hit a hook in the golf swing.
Posted on: Jun. 06, 2010