A pull hook golf shot is one where the ball starts to the left of the intended target and then curves left during it's flight, finishing even further left of the target (for right handed golfers).
This shot occurs when you swing your club head on an out to in swing path, with a closed club face. To explain what this means, place an alignment pole on the floor to represent the target line or the line that we want to hit the ball straight down. The far side of this line is the outside and the side that you are standing on is called the inside.
If you are hitting a pull hook your club head is travelling from outside the line and then across it to the inside and whilst the club head is moving in this direction, the club face is aiming to the left of this path. The club face is 85% responsible for the direction that the golf ball travels in so with a pull hook, where the ball is starting to the left of the target, the club face is aiming left of the target as it connects with the ball. The reason that the ball then swings further to the left during it's flight is because the club face is aiming to the left of the club head’s swing path. The difference between the club head’s path and the face produces backspin on the golf ball that has a tilted axis and it is this tilted axis spin, that produces the curved ball flight when the ball is in the air.
The main reason for hitting a pull hook is that on your downswing you are making an over the top action with the club head. This means that as we look from side on, the club head is travelling over the top of your hands to the far side of the target line. To now hit the golf ball you have to pull the club head towards the ball from the far side of the target line and as you are doing this your right hand is rotating counter clockwise over your left hand which closes the club face, or makes it point left as you connect.
To correct a pull hook try the following drill. Place an alignment pole in a vertical position three inches forward of the golf ball, along the target line. Allow the pole to angle to approximately 45 degrees to the inside of the target line, your side of the target line and push the pole into the ground. If you are practicing at the range, use a basket to create this angle. Now work on swinging the club back and through, keeping the club head on the upper side of the pole. As you do this, also work on keeping the club face aiming along the target line, or to the far side of the pole, rather than aiming it underneath the pole. You may notice that your right palm is travelling towards the target as you swing, rather than rotating over counter clockwise, towards your body. Once you have got used to doing this, put a ball in and begin to hit some shots. Work on improving your movement slowly initially and then as you become more comfortable and confident with the movement, you can increase your swing speed.
To hit straighter shots, work on swinging the club head along the target line, with the club face pointing towards the target as you do this. You will see an improvement in your directional control, increased height to your shots now the club face is aiming correctly and also increased length.
