How To Fix A Slice In Your Golf Swing

In golf, a slice can cause you to lose distance, accuracy, and your temper. It doesn’t matter how great your short game is, how far you drive the ball, or even if you’re in the PGA – it’ll be harder to make par if you can’t hit the fairway consistently. Even though this swing error […]

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In golf, a slice can cause you to lose distance, accuracy, and your temper. It doesn’t matter how great your short game is, how far you drive the ball, or even if you’re in the PGA – it’ll be harder to make par if you can’t hit the fairway consistently. Even though this swing error is common in many golfers, most players do not know what they’re doing wrong. To help players improve their swing and their scores, Basking Ridge Country Club offers useful golf tips and teaching programs. Here, we discuss what causes a slice in a player’s golf swing and some ways to correct it.

What Is A Golf Slice?

A slice occurs when the ball curves drastically, and the direction depends on the golfer’s dominant hand. For right-handed golfers, a slice lands to the right of the intended target. The opposite occurs for left-handed golfers. There are two different types of slices:

• Classic slice: A classic slice starts left of the target (for right-handed players) and then dramatically curves too far to the right.
• Push slice: Upon contact, a push slice begins right of the target and then curves even further to the right.

The severity of your slice increases with club length and less loft. With the driver featuring the longest shaft and lowest loft, players typically see the worst of their slice while swinging off the tee.

What Causes A Golf Slice?

The first step to correcting your slice is pinpointing its cause. Players should review their mechanics to see what areas need improvement. Areas that novice and seasoned golfers can focus on include:

Clubface Positioning

Maybe one of the biggest factors in causing your shot to slice is clubface positioning. An open clubface can significantly change the course of the ball, resulting in a shot that misses the target. This error in mechanics can be due to improper grip, wrist angle, or release pattern.

Hitting The Ball With The Heel Of The Club

Where you strike the ball may also contribute to your slice. Players should aim to hit the golf ball at the center of the clubface for a straighter shot. Balls hit by the heel of the golf club tend to curve.

Swing Path

While swinging, overcompensating to fix a slice may lead to your shot’s path curving more aggressively. The swing technique, known as an outside-in swing path, is the result of poor mechanics and causes the clubface to open up when striking the ball.

How To Refine Your Golf Swing

Many players think that to cure a slice they need to completely revamp their mechanics. However, you may only need to adjust one aspect of your game. Possible solutions to fixing a slice include:

Adjusting Your Grip

Your golf grip is crucial to achieving an ideal swing. Incorrect hand placement affects swing path, clubface position, and follow-through. Learning how to grip a golf club correctly can help improve your form and yield immediate returns.

Positioning The Golf Ball Properly

Another simple fix to a golf slice is proper ball placement. This aspect of your game is important because it impacts the club-ball contact point. Players who slice the ball tend to position it too far forward. However, it is important to note that because every player is different, no single ball position is correct. Players need to gauge the ideal ball position based on their unique body type and mechanics.

Performing Golf Drills

Fixing any error in your golf swing takes practice – and the same goes for your slice. Players who frequently slice the ball can perform drills specifically designed to change their form. These training sessions include:

• Baseball swing drill: Take a 7-iron and practice swinging the club like a baseball bat, wrapping the club behind you and then around your body. After you’ve done this a few times, start to roll your hands over sooner. The goal of this drill is to help position your body squarely as you come in contact with the golf ball.
• Basket drill: Set up at the driving range like you normally would, and place the range basket roughly 18 in behind you and just slightly outside your swing path. Next, practice swinging your club without hitting the range basket. The goal of this drill is to correct an outside-in swing path.

Find More Golf Tips At Basking Ridge Country Club

Fixing a golf slice can be accomplished by reviewing your mechanics and practicing the proper techniques. Beginners and seasoned players in need of professional assistance can find it at Basking Ridge Country Club. Located in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, our golf academy offers players first-class advice on their game. To learn more about our training programs, contact us today.

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