What causes a block / pushed shot?

Question

I've recently started playing golf again after quite some time away from the game. I've developed a tendency to block the ball out to the right, any tips on how to stop this happening?

Answer 1

Usually results from just sliding the hips forward during the downswing instead of turning them.  Also hanging on to the club and not releasing through impact.

Answer 2

Take a lesson.  Stop thinking too much.  

Often blocked shots are due to your wrists not getting through or your hips stopping before the turn.  I find I do this when I worry too much about the left (ob, water, whatever...).

Answer 3

Been fighting the same problem with my driver.  Took a lesson last week and the pro saw that I wasn't completely releasing the club.

Right now, my lone swing thought is making sure I roll my wrists to get the clubface square at impact.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have some lateral movement with the hips instead of a turn so that the hands are late coming thru the shot. The club face stays open and you block or push the shot to the right. When you reach the top of the backswing, and start down,  plant your left foot , firm up your left side and swing through the ball at the impact zone. Make sure you have a complete follow thru., down the target line. This should help you release the club better.