Why Am I Coming Across the Golf Ball?

That frustrating ball flight - the one that starts left of your target and then peels off weakly to the right in a big, banana-shaped slice - is one of the most common issues plaguing golfers. You might also see a hard pull straight left. Both shots are classic symptoms of the same core problem: you’re coming across the golf ball. This means your club is traveling on an outside-to-in path through impact, chopping across the ball instead of swinging down the target line. This article will break down precisely why this happens and give you practical, step-by-step drills to correct your swing path for good, so you can start hitting solid, straight golf shots.

What "Coming Across the Ball" Actually Means

Imagine two lines on the ground. One goes from the ball straight toward your target (the "target line"). Another line represents the path your club head is actually traveling on as it approaches the ball. When you’re swinging correctly from the “inside,” your club head approaches the ball from slightly behind you and travels down the target line through impact.

When you come “across the ball,” your swing path is “outside-to-in.” This means that during your downswing, the club head travels from outside the target line (further away from your body), swings across the target line at impact, and finishes inside the target line (closer to your body).

This path causes two main problems:

• The Slice: An outside-to-in path combined with an open clubface puts "slice spin" on the ball, causing it to curve hard to the right (for a right-handed golfer).
• The Pull: An outside-to-in path combined with a square or closed clubface sends the ball starting and flying dead left of your target.

It's a power-robbing, inconsistent move, but the good news is that it’s entirely fixable. It’s almost always caused by a handful of correctable issues in your setup and swing sequence.

The Real Culprit: Why You're Swinging From the Outside-In

Coming across the ball isn't random, it’s a Consequence of something happening earlier in your swing. Most golfers think they need to fix the moment of impact, but the error starts at the top of the backswing. Here are the main causes.

1. An 'Over the Top' Transition

This is the number one reason for an outside-in path. The “transition” is the moment you change direction from the backswing to the downswing. The correct sequence is for the lower body (hips) to initiate the downswing first. This allows the club to “drop” onto a shallower, inside path.

The "over-the-top" move happens when the upper body - your shoulders and arms - starts the downswing aggressively. Your right shoulder (for a righty) lurches out toward the ball, throwing the club onto that steep, outside path. You’re literally swinging the club over the top of the ideal swing plane.

2. The 'Hang Back and Lift' Instinct

Many golfers mistakenly believe they need to help lift the ball into the air. This often leads to hanging back on the right foot during the downswing while trying to "scoop" the ball up with the hands. When you do this, your swing's low point moves behind the ball, and the only way to make contact is to chop down at it - another perfect recipe for an outside-in swing.

Remember, the loft of the club is designed to get the ball airborne. Your job is to deliver the club to the back of the ball with a downward strike (with irons), hitting ball first, then ground. When you transfer your weight correctly to your front foot, the club naturally strikes down on the ball on a better path.

3. A Faulty Setup

Sometimes, the problem is baked in before you even start your swing. A common setup flaw is aligning your shoulders open to the target line (aiming left). If your shoulders are pre-set to aim left, your body is encouraged to swing along that line, which is - you guessed it - an outside-in path relative to your target. Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are all parallel to the target line at address.

How to Self-Diagnose an Outside-In Path

Not sure if this is your issue? Here are two simple ways to diagnose your swing path without any fancy equipment.

Check Your Divots

The best lie detector in golf is your divot. After hitting an iron shot from the fairway or a grass tee, take a look at the patch of turf you took. For a right-handed golfer:

• A divot pointing left of the target is the tell-tale sign of an outside-in swing path.
• _A divot pointing straight at the target_ indicates a neutral, or 'square,' swing path.
• A divot pointing right of the target indicates an inside-out swing path.

Use an Alignment Stick (or Another Club)

Lay an alignment stick on the ground so it points directly at your target. Place your ball about six inches inside that line. Now, take some slow, half swings. The goal is to feel your club swinging parallel to the alignment stick through the impact zone. If your natural tendency is to swing across the stick from the outside in, you’ll immediately see and feel the flaw.

Four Drills to Fix Your "Over-the-Top" Swing

Understanding the problem is one thing, fixing the muscle memory is another. The following drills are designed to retrain your body to start the downswing correctly and approach the ball from the inside.

Drill 1: The Step-Through Swing

This drill is all about getting the feel for the proper downswing sequence - lower body first. It's a fantastic way to train your body to stop leading with the shoulders.

1. Set up to a ball with your feet close together.
2. Take a normal backswing with a middle iron (like a 7- or 8-iron).
3. As you begin your downswing, take a small step toward the target with your left foot (for right-handers).
4. Let your arms and club follow, swinging through to hit the ball.

You can't lead the swing with your upper body when you perform this drill. The act of stepping forces your lower body to initiate the sequence, making your arms naturally drop into place from the inside.

Drill 2: The Headcover Under the Arm

The "over-the-top" move is often caused by the right arm flying away from the body in the downswing. This drill encourages a more connected feeling.

1. Tuck a headcover (or a small towel) under your right armpit (for a righty).
2. Take slow, three-quarter swings.
3. The goal is to keep the headcover from falling out until after your hands get past your right hip in the downswing.

This forces you to keep your right elbow closer to your ribcage, preventing it from C-asting" outward and redirecting the club over the top. It trains the feeling of the arms staying harmonized with your body's rotation.

Drill 3: The Pump Drill

This is a an excellent drill for feeling the club drop onto the proper inside plane during the transition.

1. Take your normal backswing to the top.
2. From the top, start your downswing but only go halfway down. Feel your hips fire and your arms drop, keeping the club behind your hands.
3. Return to the top of your backswing.
4. Repeat this "pump" motion two or three times. Feel the path getting shallower and more "from the inside."
5. On the final pump, continue the swing down and hit the ball.

This "rehearsal" motion ingrains the feeling of the club approaching from the inside, overwriting the old impulse to throw the club out and over from the top.

Drill 4: Back to the Target

This is more of a thought or feel than a mechanical drill, but it can be incredibly effective. Over-aggressive players love this one.

1. Take your normal setup and backswing.
2. At the top of your backswing, as you begin the downswing, try to keep your back facing the target for a split second longer.
3. Let your hips start to unwind *first* while you still feel this sensation of "hiding" the club from the target.

This little mental trick delays the unwinding of your shoulders and prevents them from getting involved too early. It trains patience in the transition, giving the club time to fall into the slot.

Final Thoughts

Correcting an "over-the-top" or "coming across the ball" swing path is about re-educating your body on the proper downswing sequence. By focusing on starting the downswing with your lower body and feeling the arms drop into an inside path, you can eliminate weak slices and pulls, replacing them with a more powerful and consistent ball flight.

I know that identifying feel isn't always easy, especially when you're on the course or at the range by yourself. That’s why we built Caddie AI to be your personal golf coach. You could, for instance, describe your slice or pull, and Caddie AI will analyze the likely causes and provide you with personalized drills like the ones above. It can even analyze a photo of your ball's lie or a short video of your swing to give you immediate, actionable feedback, helping you turn frustration into progress right on the spot.`