Everything right

I have a 12 year old boy about 5' 10" & 210 lbs. He has never played just hit balls. I started working with him yesterday. He hits his 8 Iron straight but it is always 30 yards right of target. The distance is about 110 yards and the trajectory is right for an 8 Iron. It is like the club face is open at impact and he pushes it right. It is not a slice just pushed straight right of the target line. Shoulders, feet, and hips are lined up with the target line. He is a strong kid and his finish is low and left. Any suggestions on how to help him. Later we will be going to a First Tee facility and a pro to help the kids but that is after the first of the year and I would like to work on getting him straightened out now. I tried some different things with him but if it worked it was once and then back to push right. thanks in advance to all who help.

Gordon

IT sounds like he is coming across the line ie coming over the top. He needs to start coming from the inside the target line. The best approach for this is working on his transition. The transition is the most important thing in the golf swing. You should actually start to move the hips and lower body toward the target right before you finish your backswing. IF you think he is coming from the inside then all he needs to work on is releasing the club down the line.

Chad is right.

Also look at his slide into the ball. If he moves his head forward in the downswing, then this will push the ball right.

Have him do some swings with his feet close together (not right together, just about a foot width's apart). This will keep him from sliding. Then have him start to spread them apart little by little. Don't get past shoulder width.

Agree with above, BUT

CHECK THE SET UP, ESPECAILLY THE GRIP!! KIDS TEND TO HOLD THE CLUB IN THE PALM OF THE HANDS ( ESPECIALLY IF THEY PLAYED BASEBALL) INSTEAD OF THE FINGERS WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO RELEASE THE CLUB.

kIDS ALSO TEND TO REACH FOR THE BALL TOO MUCH

Thanks to everyone and we will give it a try. I practice with again Tuesday. I can only practice with 2 at a time until Feb 6 when the season officially starts. So we are out there 2 at a time.

Gordon