What Causes a Slice?
A slice is a shot that curves dramatically from left to right (for right-handed golfers). It is caused by a combination of two factors: an open clubface relative to the swing path, and an outside-in (over-the-top) swing path. The clubface determines the starting direction, while the difference between the face angle and the path determines the curve.
When the clubface is open (pointing right of the target) and the swing path cuts across the ball from outside to inside, the ball starts left and then curves sharply to the right. This sidespin is what causes the banana-shaped flight that drives golfers crazy. The more open the face is relative to the path, the more the ball slices.
The good news is that a slice is predictable and fixable. Every slicer has some combination of grip, alignment, and swing path issues that can be addressed one at a time. Fix the clubface first (grip), then fix the path (swing drills), and the slice will disappear.
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Download Free on iOS5 Drills to Fix Your Slice
Drill 1: Strengthen Your Grip
The fastest slice fix is adjusting your grip. Rotate both hands slightly to the right on the club (for right-handed golfers). You should see 2.5 to 3 knuckles on your left hand when you look down. The "V" formed by your right thumb and index finger should point to your right shoulder.
How to practice: Hit 20 balls with the stronger grip. The ball may start hooking to the left, which is fine. That means the face is closing. Gradually dial back the grip strength until you find the position that produces a straight ball or slight draw.
Drill 2: Headcover Gate Drill
Place a headcover (or water bottle) about 6 inches outside and slightly behind the ball, on the target line. This creates a "gate" that your club must pass through. If you swing over the top (outside-in), you will hit the headcover. The goal is to swing the club from inside the gate, missing the headcover.
How to practice: Start with slow swings, focusing on feeling the club approach the ball from the inside. Gradually increase speed as you consistently miss the headcover. This drill reprograms your swing path from outside-in to inside-out.
Drill 3: Inside Takeaway Drill
Many slicers take the club too far outside on the backswing, which forces an over-the-top downswing. To fix this, practice your takeaway by keeping the clubhead inside your hands for the first two feet of the backswing. Imagine pushing the club straight back along your toe line rather than swinging it outside.
How to practice: Place a tee 12 inches behind the ball and 3 inches inside the target line. On your takeaway, try to pass the clubhead over that tee. This ensures an inside path from the very start of your swing.
Drill 4: Alignment Stick Path Drill
Stick an alignment stick in the ground at a 45-degree angle about two feet in front of you, angled away from you. Make swings where the club exits under the stick after impact. If you swing over the top, the club will go above or hit the stick. The correct inside-out path sends the club under the stick.
How to practice: Start with half swings. The stick provides instant visual feedback on your swing path. As you get comfortable, progress to three-quarter and full swings. This is one of the most effective drills for grooving an in-to-out swing path.
Drill 5: Close Your Stance
Pull your right foot back about 4-6 inches from the target line (closing your stance). This pre-sets your body to swing on an inside-out path. It also encourages a fuller hip turn and prevents the shoulders from spinning open too early in the downswing.
How to practice: Close your stance and hit 30-40 balls. You should see the ball starting right and curving back left (a draw). Once you have the feel of an inside path, gradually open your stance back to normal while maintaining the inside swing feel.
Equipment Factors That Cause a Slice
Shaft too stiff: A shaft that is too stiff for your swing speed prevents the clubface from squaring up at impact, leaving it open. If you swing under 90 mph with the driver, a regular flex shaft is usually more appropriate than a stiff.
Not enough driver loft: Lower-loft drivers (8-9 degrees) produce more sidespin, exaggerating a slice. A 10.5 or 12-degree driver reduces sidespin and produces a higher launch with less curve. Most amateur golfers benefit from more loft, not less.
Worn-out grips: Smooth, worn grips cause you to grip the club tighter, increasing tension and reducing your ability to square the face. Replace grips annually or every 40-60 rounds.
Draw-bias clubs: Many manufacturers offer draw-bias drivers and irons with internal weighting that helps close the face. If your slice persists after working on your swing, these clubs can provide an additional correction.
Track Your Slice Fix Progress
Use Golf Scorecard App to track your scores as you work on fixing your slice. See how your handicap drops as your ball flight improves.
