Sidespin (Is It Real?)
Also known as: sidespin, side spin, is sidespin real, side spin on a golf ball, sidespin myth
Sidespin is not a separate kind of spin. A golf ball spins around one axis. When that axis tilts, the backspin pushes the ball sideways, and launch monitors call that tilt the spin axis. Sidespin is just a name for the sideways part of that tilted spin.
A spinning ball has one axis it turns around. TrackMan describes spin axis as the angle, relative to the horizon, of the imaginary line the ball rotates around. A level axis means pure backspin and no curve. A tilted axis makes the ball curve toward the low side.
Some systems split total spin into backspin and sidespin. Toptracer describes sidespin as the part of spin that makes the ball curve left or right. It is a useful way to show the numbers, but the ball only has one spin.
What tilts the axis? Mainly the gap between face angle and club path at impact. Off-center strikes also tilt it through gear effect.
Tips by skill level
When you see sidespin on a screen, read it as tilt. More tilt means more curve.
Compare spin axis with face-to-path. If they don't line up, check strike location for gear effect.
Example
His coach tells him to stop putting sidespin on the ball. He learns his spin axis tilts because his face is open to his path, and he works on that instead.
Why it matters
Thinking in spin axis points you to the cause. That is face-to-path, not a mystery spin you add with your hands.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you can add sidespin with the hands
- Ignoring strike location
- Mixing sidespin and spin axis numbers
- Trying to fix curve by changing aim
Frequently asked questions
What causes sidespin on a golf ball?
The gap between face angle and club path at impact tilts the spin axis. Off-center strikes also tilt it through gear effect.
Is spin axis the same as sidespin?
They describe the same thing in different ways. Spin axis gives the tilt in degrees. Sidespin splits the total spin into a sideways part in rpm.
Sources
Related terms
- Spin AxisSpin axis is the tilt of the ball's backspin axis relative to horizontal. It determines how much of the total spin curves the ball sideways, and how much keeps it flying straight and high.
- Face-to-PathFace-to-path is the difference between face angle and club path at impact. It is the single number that determines how much, and which way, the ball curves.
- Gear EffectGear effect is the extra spin and directional change from a strike away from the clubface's center of gravity. The clubhead twists slightly at impact, like two meshing gears.
- Curve Ball FlightA curve ball flight is any shot that bends noticeably left or right in the air. It happens when clubface angle and swing path differ enough at impact to tilt the ball's spin axis away from horizontal.
- Spin RateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.
Related guides & benchmarks
Work on the cause
Video shows how you move, not the ball itself. Film one swing to find the movement behind this result — free to start.
See a sample Golf report first