A slice is a ball that curves to the left side of the target line. Most golfers will be familiar with this term and very likely have been where you are right now, frustrated at your inability to correct it. This article will look at some of the most common causes of a slice and how one can fix them.
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8 Common Cures for a Golf Swing Slice
Here are eight common tips that can help players fix their slice:
1. Grip Change
The most common cause of a slice is a bad grip. A golfer’s grip will cause the club to release from the hands toward the golfer’s left side, causing it to cut too much across the ball and produce a slicing shot. A good test to see if this is part of your problem is to go out and buy some tees, then practice hitting balls with your normal setup and swing, using only 1-2 tees in each hand. If you have been playing with 3-4 tees in each hand to counteract a slice, it’s time to change your technique.
2. Ball Placement
When standing over a ball and lining it up, it is essential to have the ball centered in the middle of your stance. It’s also necessary to ensure that the ball is sitting no more than 2-3 degrees below the center line of your club face. A golf professional will teach you how to line a ball up correctly. And have a neutral swing plane, so the ball is not pulled too far to the left or right at impact.
3. Use a Different Club
Many golfers who slice consistently have trouble hitting their irons from the rough, hitting their pitches from hillsides or sand, or sometimes even hitting wedge shots from any place other than level ground. These golfers must use clubs designed for these situations as much as possible until they learn how to control their slices.
4. Slow Down
Some golfers who slice consistently do so because they get over anxious to hit the ball, causing them to swing too fast for the type of shot they are trying to hit. Try taking more time and being more intentional with your swings. The Hank Haney slice fix can help you smooth your follow-through and increase your consistency.
5. Address Angle
Most golfers slice because of an incorrect address angle, which leads to a bad swing or putting motion. It is one of the most challenging problems to correct, but a simple change in club position or grip can make a huge difference.
6. Mindset
The worst thing that a golfer can do when addressing a slice is thinking that they have no control over it and can’t do anything about it. This type of thinking will only create more issues with consistency and performance while on the golf course. Instead, focus on the fundamentals of the game and do what you can to make your shots more consistent.
7. Setup
Many golfers who slice consistently do so because of an improper setup. Take the time to ensure that you stand in a balanced and robust position before addressing the golf ball. It is also essential to ensure your shoulders are facing straight at the target instead of looking out of windows or over your back shoulder, which can cause issues with balance and consistency. Having the ideal setup before a swing is also a safety measure. Positioning yourself wrongly can lead to numerous injuries.
8. Golf Aiming
A golf shot is not simply swinging the club back and forth as you would with a normal golf swing. When aiming, you should think of it as a well-balanced pendulum motion from your hands and shoulders to your arms and hands to the club head and through your arms back to your shoulders again. The goal of this motion is for you to produce in the clubhead an impulse that will strike the ball at impact with the same force in both directions.
Final Thoughts
If you still can’t seem to fix your slice after trying some of these tips and tricks, it’s time to visit a golf coach or golf professional who can diagnose your specific problems and work with you on a plan of action to correct them. Golf is a game that takes a lifetime to master, so don’t get discouraged if things aren’t coming easy for you at first. You will get better with time and practice.