Double Cross in Golf (What is it and How to Get Rid of it)
Have you ever been in a situation on the course where you set up to hit a fade, and in return, you get a hook?
That’s a double cross, and it’s caused by issues with your setup, clubface angle, and even your mind.
The double cross is common, but the problem with the actual shot is that it can put you in a lot of trouble. I’ll show you why the double cross keeps happening and how a little awareness and the help of HackMotion can fix it forever.
Double Cross in Golf – Key Takeaways
- The double cross is caused by issues with the clubface, rotation, alignment, and sometimes even the mental game. Proper swing mechanics can help improve the double cross.
- Most commonly, a double cross is seen when a golfer tries to hit a shot that ends up on the right side (fade), and the ball ends up hooking left.
- The double cross often causes golfers to give up on playing with their ball flight by hitting shots left and right. Don’t let that happen.
- Remember that the wrist angle controls the clubface at impact, and that clubface angle determines where the ball will go.
Contents
What Exactly is a Double Cross in Golf?
A double cross is when you intend to hit a golf ball in one direction (like a fade or a draw), but the ball ends up going the opposite way. The outcome is unexpected and leads to a major misalignment because of the shot you were originally expecting to hit.
How to Fix a Double Cross
There are several reasons behind a double cross. The easiest way to fix these is to go through a step by step process that will help us determine where your error lies.
Here are the steps to fix a double cross.
Check Alignment
The most common cause of the double cross is poor or extreme alignment issues. When you move from hitting a straight shot to a slight fade, there are very subtle changes. If you make these changes more extreme, you’ll struggle with hitting a straight shot.
In addition, if your feet are going one way and your clubhead another, the double cross is even more likely.
Fix Your Wrist Extension
Wrist extension from setup to the top of the swing should remain constant. If you are a player that adds extension in the lead wrist from setup to the top, it’s going to change your club face angle.
Now, you will be at the top of your swing with a completely open clubface and you’ll spend the rest of the downswing working to correct it.
The results could end up in a double cross, depending on how much you correct it.
HackMotion can help you work on the amount of extension you have in your golf swing and how to correct it.
Keep Setup Consistent
When you set up to hit a golf shot make sure that you are staying mostly consistent. If you want to make changes to grip, setup, alignment, etc., make sure they are subtle.
The other goal of keeping your setup consistent is to make sure you commit to it and trust it.
Many times, you start to inch away from the intended shot setup because you have not fully committed. Those little shifts of your hip or shoulder alignment right before you swing may be all it takes to completely double cross yourself.
Don’t Stop the Body
Similar to committing to the setup you also have to commit to the movements your body makes. The double cross in golf can occur when the hips stop as they are moving through impact.
Sometimes, you’ll feel something is off as you approach the ball, or you don’t fully trust your swing, and your lower body rotation will stop.
Don’t do this.
Not only do you lose speed, but slowing the hips down and stopping them completely can also cause problems with the clubface angle at impact.
The best players in the game get the clubface square at the top, or just after the top of the backswing, and then from there, they rotate through the ball with full force.
Visualize the Shot
You should visualize every shot you want to hit. Make sure your visualizations are positive. Only visualize what you want the golf ball to do, not what you are afraid it might do.
Trust your execution and practice your visualization. You can practice this on the range just as you would practice your grip or swing path.
Know Your Path
Do you understand how swing path and clubface angle work together to create a desired shot? Most golfers don’t.
You can practice with alignment sticks to understand what the square path looks like and how it will impact your ball flight.
Also, use this cheat sheet to understand the relationship between path and clubface and the shot that it will result in.
| Clubface Angle, Relative to Path | Resulting Shot (Assuming Centered Contact) |
|---|---|
| Square | Straight (Path dependent) |
| Closed | Draw or Hook |
| Open | Fade or Slice |
The degree to which your clubface changes in relation to the path will impact the ball flight of your shot.
Practice with a Purpose
Finally, make sure that you are practicing hitting different types of shots when you work on the driving range. If your first time trying to hit a fade is when you are on the golf course, it may cause you to double cross.
Use tools like HackMotion and alignment sticks to really narrow down what it takes to hit a fade or a draw. Working the golf ball is important, and you’ll want the ability to control your shots, but the double cross can really cause you some issues.
Drills to Help Fix a Double Cross in Golf
If you follow my steps above to fix your double cross, it will likely disappear. However, if you are more of a drills-orientated player and need some extra ways to feel this and become more consistent, these are the best options to try.
HackMotion Wrist Angle Drill
These drills from Athletic Motion golf will help you narrow down exactly what you should be doing with your wrists in your golf swing.
The HackMotion has audio feedback that helps you understand just what it takes to get professional level wrist position in every swing.
Alignment Practice Drills
Alignment is something you need to practice in addition to ball striking, wrist angles, and club path. Here are some great drills to help you work on alignment so you don’t double-cross on the course.
Swing Path Drill
Once your wrist angles are perfect, you can start to work on the club path issues. Take a look at this drill from Michael Breed that will make you more aware of your club path and help get you back on track.
Final Thoughts
The double cross is a shot you can fix. You have to be a little more intentional about your alignment and setup but you should not give up on hitting draws and fades just because you double cross yourself.
Start by learning to control your wrist angles and manage the impact that they have on the golf ball. Use the HackMotion to stop double crossing your golf shots.
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