I'm Confused

I keep reading about a block and a push slice.

Are they the same thing?

If not what is the difference?

I haven't been golfing long and I'm trying to understand the different terms, so any claification would be appreciated.

Goat

A block goes to the right but is straight. A push slice goes to the right and then slices farther right.

Thanks for the info.

How will I know which one I am doing?

It's normally pretty simple to see, as dannyra said. A block will go straight through the air but to the right of the target. It doesn't have any sidespin on it so that the ball contibues in the direction it was hit.
A push-slice will start right of the target and then curve through the air from left to right (for a right handed golfer) as it has lots of spin spin on it.

Have a look at this page http://www.tydaniels.com/hook-slice-fade/

Thanks for the info

A far better "miss" is a block. That means your club is coming from the inside but your clubface is still slightly open BUT on the same path as your clubhead. So no sidespin. You need to release a bit quicker. If you do, y ou will hit a nice DRAW. So a block is a good start. Also called a push.

A push slice is the result of usually a inside or square path but a way too far open clubface. Could be a grip problem.

I went from a block to straight just by relaxing my grip. My death grip didnt allow the clubface to open. If I come over the top now I pull it instead of slicing it.

...rather hit a 5 yard pull than a 40 yard slice

__________________
What's in my bag....
Cleveland VP 2 Blade Putter
Ping Tour Wedges, 54 & 60
TaylorMade rac LT2, 4i thru PW
Tour Edge Exotics Iron-Wood 21* 3i - Aldila NV 90 Stiff Shaft
Ping G5 18* 5 Wood - ProLaunch Blue 75 Stiff Shaft
Ping G5 15* 3 Wood - Aldila NV 75 Stiff Shaft
Cleveland HiBore XL 9.5* - Fujikura Fit-On Red Stiff Shaft