Inside-Out Versus Outside-In: What Your Swing Path Is Telling You

“Fore right!”

Yep, there goes another $5 ball into the woods. Again.

Look, I get it. Last week, you were striping drives down the middle and now you’re playing pinball with the cart path. What the hell happened?

Most people will tell you it’s grip pressure. Or maybe you lifted your head. But honestly? Nine times out of 10, it comes down to swing path—where your club is traveling when it smacks the ball.

Think about driving to work. Sometimes you take the direct route and get there smoothly. Other times, you end up on some backroad adventure that leaves you wondering how you got so lost. Your golf swing works the same way.

When your swing path goes sideways, so does your ball. It’s that simple.

Inside-out is your friend

When you swing inside-out, your clubhead approaches from inside the target line and continues outward after impact. This path typically produces a draw or straight shot and here’s the kicker—it’s forgiving. Even imperfect contact usually stays in play, meaning you’re hitting from the fairway instead of behind trees.

Outside-in is the troublemaker

Outside-in swings approach from outside the target line and cut across after impact. This creates that slice that costs you countless golf balls. You’re dragging the clubface across the ball, creating sidespin for an unwanted scenic tour of the course.

The frustrating part? Outside-in swings feel powerful, like you’re really attacking the ball. But all that effort works against you, creating inconsistent contact and unpredictable flights.

Your setup is critical

Your swing path gets determined before you even start your backswing. If you’re aimed left or your shoulders are open, you’re forcing an outside-in path. It’s like driving straight while pointed toward the ditch.

Take time at address to align your feet, hips and shoulders parallel to your target line. Your body swings along the line it’s aimed so give it the right direction.

Feel the club drop into the slot

The best swing thought for an inside-out path? Feel the club “drop” at the start of your downswing. Instead of throwing your hands at the ball, let the club fall naturally into position. This creates that inside approach without manufacturing it.

Think of tossing a ball underhand—you naturally bring your arm from inside and release outward. Your golf swing works the same way.

Let your lower body lead

Your hips and legs should start the downswing, not your arms. When your upper body takes over, it throws the club outside, creating the dreaded over-the-top move. Start by shifting weight to your front foot and turning your hips toward the target. Your arms follow naturally.

Master the transition

That tiny pause between backswing and downswing is where good swing paths are born. Don’t rush it. Let your lower body start moving while your arms complete the backswing. This sequence creates an inside-out path automatically.

Trust the process

Here’s where golfers get tripped up—an inside-out swing feels like you’re not aiming at the target. That’s normal. An inside-out path with a square clubface sends the ball exactly where you’re aiming, despite how the swing feels.

Practice with alignment aids

Place a club or alignment stick on the ground pointing at your target and another parallel about two feet outside your ball. Practice swinging from inside that outer club. This trains the correct feeling and provides a visual reference.

Your swing path is your golf signature—uniquely yours but improvable. The goal isn’t a complete overhaul but understanding what your path tells you and making minor adjustments for big improvements.

When you swing more from the inside, your misses become manageable, distance improves and you’ll actually enjoy your rounds instead of playing hide-and-seek with your ball.