Many golfers that are hooking or slicing the ball want to know how to hit a golf ball straight. Obviously this is the desired flight path that we are all looking to achieve as it gives you maximum distance. Also, when you can hit a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway, you have a much easier approach shot to the green.

Why is it that many golfers find it difficult to hit a golf ball straight? First it is necessary to comprehend what causes the ball to move from left to right (a slice) or from right to left (a hook). If you know how to fix a slice or hook, you can then practice how to hit a draw or a fade which are useful skills to know so that you can shape your shots around hazards or dog-legs.

The following descriptions and instruction deals with the slice; for the hook everything is generally reversed. A slice is created by a significant tilt of the spin-axis of the golf ball to the right, or a clockwise spin. A slice usually ends up right of the target line, and the term is often used when the curve in the trajectory is extreme and unintentional. The less extreme version of a slice is called a "fade".

When you understand the basics of the golf swing you will know that you have to return to the original place at impact if you want to hit the ball squarely and straight. When the club face is open at the point of impact, a slice will occur and the ball will spin in a clockwise direction. Generally, the swing path is correct but the golf ball is not hit squarely at impact; this is normally caused by a "weak grip."

The first thing to check is your grip when you find that you can't hit a ball straight. The one cause that can shape the path of the balls flight is the strength of the grip - it doesn't matter if you use an interlocking grip, an overlapping grip, or a ten finger grip. To fix a slice, experiment with moving your hands around on the grip, over to the right, into a more strong grip position.

Other factors that can cure a slice are the grip pressure; don't grip the club so tightly that the muscles of the wrist and forearms are tense. Try to increase the speed of your golf swing, not only will that add more distance it can also cut down on the amount of slice that you impart on the golf ball. The flex of the clubs shaft can also affect your shots; big hitters will need a stiff or extra stiff shaft, medium hitters should use a firm or regular flex, and shorter hitters should use a senior or ladies flex.

The address position has to be correct if you want to hit a golf ball straight. You should line up for your shot with your shoulders, hips, and feet all square and parallel to the target line. When teeing off with a driver, the correct ball position is opposite the instep of the left foot. Also, the sole of the club should be grounded and not tilting forwards (standing too close to the ball) or tilting backwards (standing too far from the ball.)

Remember all the basics of the golf swing; keep your eyes on the ball, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed, spine straight and chin up. I won't go into detail about the golf swing here, just take your club back straight and bring it down again on the same plane. Maintain the same swing speed throughout the backswing and the downswing - don't try to over hit the ball.

Finally, another couple of swing faults that will not allow you to hit a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway are the push and the pull. Unlike the slice, the push shot is when the ball goes off directly to the right, and the pull shot is when it goes directly to the left. A push is an action of the golf swing and is normally an in-to-out swing path and the pull is an out-to-in swing path. The push or pull comes from an improper golf swing and not knowing the basics of the swing.