| Developing a proper follow-through is an essential part of fixing your slice. Sergio Garcia holds his follow-through position until the ball comes to rest. (Scott Stuart/EclipseSportsWire.com) |
Five easy steps for fixing your slice
By Les Miller, Contributor
There is nothing golfers fear more than the dreaded slice. With the proper technique, however, your slice can be a thing of the past.
Follow the tips below to say goodbye to your slice forever.
Fixing your slice: Address position
When addressing the ball, start by placing it in the heel area of the clubhead, as this will help to promote an inside-out swing path. Next, use a strong grip (hands turned back with the Vs from the thumb and forefingers turned toward the right shoulder, for right-hand golfers).
Make sure to grip the club lightly in the fingers with the right hand. This grip position will help you rotate the hands over, which squares the clubface upon impact. Finally, take a slightly closed stance.
Fixing your slice: Backswing
Start the club back by turning the left shoulder away from the target feeling as though your left shoulder is behind the ball at the top of your backswing.
To help you make a full-shoulder turn, slide the left knee back to the center of your stance, and let your left heel come off the ground as you turn away from the target. On the top of your backswing, 80 percent of your weight should be on your back foot, and your head should remain over the ball.
You are now in position to unload your weight and power into your left side on the downswing.
Fixing your slice: Downswing
Start the downswing by stepping down on your left heel and letting your left hip move slightly toward the target. As your lower body starts to move, pull your hands down, keeping your right elbow close to your right hip as long as possible.
Fixing your slice: Impact position
This is the moment of truth: Keep the shoulders square to the target as the club head strikes the ball.
At this point, the hands and arms should pass your body, your right hand should be turning over your left hand (releasing the club), and the force of your swing should pull you off your right foot so your weight will be moving toward the target.
Fixing your slice: Follow-through
As you release the club through impact, let your arms straighten out toward the target. From here, let the momentum of your swing continue until your hands finish up high.
Hold this follow-through while you watch the ball fly down the fairway. (A good example of a PGA Tour player to watch is Sergio Garcia as he holds his follow-through position until the ball comes to rest.)
As you practice the follow-through, feel as though the momentum of your swing is pulling you through. Try not to force this motion.
January 28, 2010
Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.
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Eric wrote on: Sep 19, 2012
Obey the "Golden rule" Your arms must be in 'exactly', not nearly, exactly, in the same position at address for a driver as they are for your wedge. They should be hanging naturally vertical and with a mostly neutral grip. The only difference is that the ball is further away from you hence the angle between shaft and arms should be more acute the longer the club. Change to this but be prepared to practice it. This will help you hit from the inside and square the face rather than fanning it open as slicers normally do.
Good luck
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Denny wrote on: Mar 21, 2012
I found a simple way to create the inside out swing discussed in the article. I line the brand name of my ball along the target line. I then square my club face to the target line and swing to hit inside the name on the ball. I found that I can not hit outside in with a square face and hit the ball at the 7:00 position. I have a tee shot that is straight or even has a slight draw.
http://lefthandedgolf.us
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Adrian wrote on: Dec 23, 2011
Good article. I find that during set-up, by lowering my right shoulder a bit and bringing it back slightly, this helps promote an "inside-out" swing path. Also, I always hear turing the right "hand" over the left during the release. I have found it is more effective to envision the right "arm" turning over the left during the release. Though it sounds like the same concept, it does make a tremendous difference. Just experiment not even holding a club. One more thing, pick your head up just a little bit during set-up will allow your shoulders to rotate more freely around your body axis, facilitating a better swing path.
These elements have helped me tremendously.
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jon wrote on: Jan 24, 2012
yes yes yes. the original post and adding the pick your head up a lil is a tremendous help. i do like the concept of rotating the arms more than the hands. i think i just dropped 5 strokes
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Daniel wrote on: Jun 11, 2011
Left foot position is also a key here, I have found that by turning it in, almost pointing directly at the ball. My slice went away and I sometimes hook the ball now.
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jon wrote on: Jan 24, 2012
i definitely going to try that because in theory it sounds correct....
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Mike wrote on: Jun 1, 2011
I found that shortening my backswing helped me with my slice. I only take the club back between 1/2 and 3/4 the distance of a normal backswing. It actually hasn't taken much distance off my drive because the ball actually goes straight with a slight draw from time to time.
Hope this helps,
Mike
http://www.play-golf-better.com
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