What Causes an Out-to-In Golf Swing?

That frustrating slice or sharp-pulling shot that plagues so many golfers almost always comes from the same mistake: an out-to-in golf swing. It’s the single most common swing fault we see in amateur golf, but the great news is that it’s fixable once you understand what’s actually happening. This guide will walk you through the real causes behind your out-to-in path and provide clear, actionable steps to finally get your club swinging from the inside for straighter, more powerful shots.

What "Out-to-In Swing" Actually Means

Before we fix the problem, let's get perfectly clear on what it is. Imagine a straight line on the ground pointing directly at your target - this is your "target line."

• An in-to-out swing path (the ideal for most shots) means your club head approaches the ball from inside the target line, strikes the ball, and then moves outside the target line after impact. It promotes a draw and solid contact.
• An out-to-in swing path is the opposite. Your club starts its journey down toward the ball from outside the target line and cuts across the ball, moving to the inside of the target line after impact.

This out-to-in motion imparts a sidespin on the ball, which, for a right-handed golfer, sends it curving weakly to the right - the classic slice. If the clubface is closed (pointing left) at impact with that same path, it results in a "pull," a shot that starts left of the target and stays there. In either case, it robs you of power and consistency.

The Main Culprit: The "Over-the-Top" Downswing Move

The vast majority of out-to-in swings are caused by a flawed transition from the top of the backswing into the downswing. Golfers call this move "coming over the top."

Instead of letting the club drop down onto the correct plane as the lower body starts the unwinding motion, golfers who come over the top initiate the downswing with their shoulders and arms. The right shoulder (for a righty) aggressively rotates out and over toward the ball, pushing the hands and club onto a steep, outside path. From there, your only option is to cut across the ball. It’s an instinctive, but incorrect, attempt to generate power with your upper body. The question is, why are you making this move?

Cause #1: Your Foundation Is Flawed in the Setup

Your golf swing is built on your setup. A small mistake before you even start moving the club can set off a chain reaction that ends with an over-the-top move. Here are the three most common setup flaws to check.

Poor Alignment

This is a huge one. Many slicers subconsciously aim their body - shoulders, hips, and feet - well to the left of the target. They do this to "play for the slice." The problem is, this forces them to swing their arms back 'across' their body toward the target, which almost guarantees a swing path that comes from the outside. You can't start left and expect to swing 'in-to-out'.

The Fix: Lay two alignment sticks (or golf clubs) on the ground. Place one just outside your golf ball, pointing directly at your target. Place the other parallel to it, just behind your heels. When you take your setup, your feet, hips, and shoulders should all be parallel to the sticks. It can feel very strange at first if you're used to aiming left, but this is the foundation for an on-plane swing.

Incorrect Posture

Posture dictates how your body can rotate. If you're too slouched over the ball with a rounded upper back (a "C-Posture"), you physically block your body's ability to turn properly. Your shoulders won't be able to rotate on the right angle in the backswing. From this cramped position, the easiest way to make room is to lift your arms and then throw them over the top.

The Fix: Stand with a club held against your back. It should touch three points: the back of your head, your upper back (thoracic spine), and your tailbone. Now, hinge from your hips - pushing your bum back - while keeping all three points of contact on the club. This maintains a straight spine tilt. This is the athletic posture you want to feel over the ball. Your arms should then hang naturally straight down from your shoulders.

Wrong Ball Position

Placing the ball too far back in your stance is a common mistake that can promote an out-to-in swing. When the ball is back, you don't have enough time for the club to drop to the inside before impact, you're forced to get to it quickly with a steep, chopping motion. Conversely, a ball too far forward can cause you to 'reach' for it with your shoulders, throwing you over the top.

The Fix: For your mid-irons (like a 7 or 8-iron), the ball should be positioned just about in the center of your stance, directly under your shirt buttons. As the clubs get longer, the ball moves slightly forward, so for a driver, it should be lined up with the inside of your lead heel.

Cause #2: Your Swing Sequence Is Out of Order

A powerful, on-plane golf swing is a beautiful sequence of movements. An over-the-top swing is a sequence gone wrong. The downswing should start from the ground up, not from the top down.

The Proper Sequence (Ground-Up):

1. You finish your backswing.
2. Your hips shift slightly toward the target and begin to unwind.
3. Your torso and shoulders follow the rotation of your hips.
4. Your arms and the club are pulled down into the "slot" from the inside.
5. The club whips through impact with maximum speed.

The Out-to-In Sequence (Top-Down):

1. You finish your backswing.
2. Your upper body (shoulders and arms) immediately fires toward the ball.
3. Your hips stall and you lose your posture.
4. The club is thrown outside the ideal path.
5. You make a weak, glancing blow across the ball.

This is often a result of 'trying' to hit the ball too hard with your arms. The feeling you want is one of patience at the top, letting your lower body lead the dance.

Cause #3: Physical Limitations Holding You Back

Sometimes, theproblem isn't a technique flaw but a sign that your body physically can't do what's required for a good golf swing. If you lack the necessary mobility, your body will find a compensation, and that compensation is very often an over-the-top move.

• Tight Hips: If your hips can't rotate freely, you won't be able to make a full backswing turn or properly lead the downswing. Your arms will have to lift the club to get it back, and then throw it over the top to generate some sense of power.
• Poor Thoracic (Upper Back) Mobility: Your mid-back needs to be able to rotate. If it's stiff and immobile, you won't be able to turn your shoulders enough on the proper plane. Again, the arms take over, lifting vertically instead of turning, leading to a steep, outward path on the way down.

Simple stretching routines focused on hip and thoracic rotation can make a world of difference not just for your golf swing, but for your overall health.

Key Drills to Engrain an In-to-Out Swing Path

Knowing the cause is one thing, feeling the fix is what really matters. Here are a couple of excellent drills to help you replace that out-to-in move with a proper in-to-out path.

1. The Headcover Gate Drill

This is a classic for a reason. Place a headcover (or a rolled-up towel) on the ground about 6-8 inches outside and just a little bit behind your golf ball. The goal is simple: hit the ball without hitting the headcover. If you come over the top, you'll smash the headcover. This gives you instant, undeniable feedback and forces you to find a way to make your club approach the ball from the inside.

2. The Step-Through Drill

This drill is all about getting your downswing sequence right.

1. Take your normal setup.
2. As you begin your backswing, take a small step forward with your trail foot so it’s next to your lead foot.
3. At the top of your backswing, step forward toward the target with your lead foot just before you start your downswing.
4. Swing through and finish in a balanced position.

This drill forces you to initiate the downswing with your lower body. You can't start swinging with your arms first because you're busy stepping. It perfectly ingrains the feeling of the lower body leading the way.

Final Thoughts

Tackling an out-to-in swing path means starting from the beginning. It involves checking your setup, understanding the proper sequence of motion, and ensuring your body is able to make the rotational movements required for a good swing. By systematically addressing these core causes, you can stop cutting across the ball and start swinging from the inside, unlocking more power and consistency than you thought possible.

If you're still on the course struggling to figure out *why* you're hitting that slice, that’s exactly what we designed Caddie AI to help with. You can ask for a simple swing thought to fix your path or even a specific drill you can do between shots to regain the feel of an in-to-out motion. The big idea is to give you instant, personalized advice so you're not left alone trying to guess at the solution - you get clear, actionable guidance right when you need it most.