Side Spin in Golf: What It Is & Why It Matters
VECTOR SWING LAB /// PRO
VectorGOLF.ai
7-Iron · 12 metrics · Click any metric to learn more
Carry
189
Target: 165-175
Total
199
Target: 175-185
Club Spd
95.2
Target: 82+
Ball Spd
123.4
Target: 118+
Back Spin
3459
Target: 6k-7k
Side Spin
736
Target: <250
HLA
-4.6°
Target: ±1.5°
Launch
12.5°
Target: 16°-19°
Descent
35.8°
Target: 40°-45°
Face Tgt
-5.2°
Target: ±1.0°
Face Path
2.5°
Target: ±2.0°
Smash
1.31
Target: 1.38+
What Is Side Spin?
Side spin is the rotation that makes the ball curve left or right in flight. It's created by the difference between club path and face angle—the D-Plane relationship.
Units: rpm
Why It Matters
Side spin determines shot shape. High side spin = more curve = more dispersion. Minimizing side spin (while controlling start direction) is key to consistency.
Typical Ranges
Ideal: under 200-250 rpm for most shots. Slices and hooks: 500-1,500+ rpm.
Common Issues
High side spin: face and path misaligned. Face-to-path over 2-3° creates significant curve. Goal: face and path closer together.
Related Metrics
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