Side Spin

Side spin is the component of spin that makes the ball curve left or right in the air.

It’s created by the relationship between the club face angle and the club path at impact. When the face is open relative to the path, the ball picks up right-tilting spin and curves right. When the face is closed relative to the path, the ball gets left-tilting spin and curves left. Modern launch monitors often calculate this as spin axis, but the effect is the same, curved ball flight.

Fitters pay attention to side spin because it explains why shots fade, draw, slice, or hook. Too much side spin leads to big misses and inconsistent dispersion. By adjusting lie angle, shaft profile, face angle settings, or head design, a fitter can help reduce excessive curvature and create a more controllable ball flight.

The goal is not zero side spin, but predictable, manageable shot shape that the golfer can trust.