For most amateur golfers, the shot that causes them the most problems is the golf slice. In fact the problem is so common, whole books have been written about ways you can try to correct the fault.
The golf slice is where the ball moves and bends in the air from left-to right .This is caused by a combination of having an open clubface and an outside to inside swing path. The incorrect swing puts side spin on the ball, causing the ball to cut violently to the side. This leads to a loss of control of the shot, as well as sometimes a loss of control of your temper on the course, as you become frustrated at the inability to keep your shot straight.
So how can you fix it?
Well, as mentioned before the out- to- in swing plays a large part in producing the slice. This fault is normally caused by standing with an open position as you address the ball. To try and correct the slice, some golfers compensate by aiming their body
well to the left of the intended target. They do this in the hope that the ball will slice and end up in the position they want it to. Unfortunately this stance is the ideal one to actually hit the ball from left to right. This means instead of correcting the problem, you are actually adding to it and may well end up causing yourself even more difficulty and embarrassment on the course.
To get rid off the golf slice, you’ll need to start by ensuring you start your swing in the right position. You should set up by having your feet, hips and shoulders square to the line of your target. If during the downswing your club gets outside the target line, then you’re more likely than not going to slice the ball. Poor alignment is one of the main reasons for the slice, but it can be corrected.
If you are unsure if you are in the right starting position, then here’s a tip you can use:
Firstly place a club on the ground directly in line with the target. Take another club and place it parallel left of the target. Align the face of your club with the target, with your feet and shoulders parallel left. This may seem awkward and you may feel you are aiming to the right, but you can use the clubs placed on the ground as a visual aid to be confident you are in the correct position. You should position the ball you are going to strike, just inside your left heel. Take a light grip on your club, allowing the right elbow to relax, while keeping it close to your side. Still keeping your elbow relaxed and close to your side, start your backswing and keep the club low and to the inside. On your downswing concentrate on keeping the elbow close to your body and let the club head swing to a position of 1 o’clock. If you practice this routine regularly, you should see an improvement in your swing, and a reduction in your slice.
Another tip for keeping the golf club on the correct downswing path, is to visualise another ball positioned around three to four inches in front of your actual ball. As you start your downswing, as well as aiming to hit the actual ball, continue to keep the club moving forward towards the imaginary ball. If you do this you will produce a downswing that will be on an in-to-out path, and so preventing the dreaded golf slice.
About the Author
Joseph Tierney is a golfer and college student from Florida. You can find out more about improving your golf swing at Golf Swing Tips
Golf Pro Tips 008 – Cure a Slice
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The SKLZ Gyro Swing features the following: Part of the Rick Smith Signature Series20,000 RPM gyroscope ingrains the feel of the perfect golf swing Helps cure hook and slice problems with coming over the top and casting Provides resistance when swings go off-plane or have an early wrist release Gyroscope encased in a metalwood head for protection and realistic visual experience Includes see-through grip guide for ideal hand placement Dual-color shaft visually reinforces that youre swinging on p
$99.95
The SKLZ Gyro Swing features the following: Part of the Rick Smith Signature Series20,000 RPM gyroscope ingrains the feel of the perfect golf swing Helps cure hook and slice problems with coming over the top and casting Provides resistance when swings go off-plane or have an early wrist release Gyroscope encased in a metalwood head for protection and realistic visual experience Includes see-through grip guide for ideal hand placement Dual-color shaft visually reinforces that youre swinging on p
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“Bill Harmon Plane-EZ Golf Swing Trainer The Plane-EZ? Golf Swing Trainer can revolutionize every aspect of your game. From putting to driving, it’s the only teaching aid you’ll ever need! — Grip — Full Swing — Bunker Game — Chipping — Putting — The Plane-EZ Golf Swing Trainer combines an internal elastic strap with a solid adjustable yoke. This technology gently restrains the golfer’s arms, yet allows a freedom of motion not found in other training aids. The unique “”push-pull”" action causes the wearer to make a full shoulder turn and to swing “”on-plane”" every time! The Plane-EZ Golf Training System includes the Plane-EZ Golf Swing Trainer?and a 35 minute instructional video featuring Bill Harmon, one of GOLF Magazine’s?Top 100 Teachers in America, and Cindy Reid, PGA and LPGA Teaching Professional. Instruction covers 5 lessons on the most important aspects of your game: Most golfers (80%) slice the ball because they swing “”over the top”", that is, on a steep, outside-to-inside swing plane. Until the golfer learns to swing along the proper swing plane or path, slicing will be a continual problem. The key to swinging on-plane is to maintain the arm triangle formed at address throughout the swing. By preventing breakdown in the distance between the golfer’s elbows, the Plane-EZ Golf Swing Trainer? maintains the arm triangle and encourages an on-plane swing time after time. You too can learn to “”defy the law of slice”" by letting the Plane-EZ? teach you the benefits of a consistent, on-plane golf swing! What is the swing plane? The swing plane can be viewed as an imaginary line drawn from the ball along the club shaft through the golfer’s shoulders. It is only by swinging the club along this plane or path that the golfer can ever hope to achieve a consistent golf swing. Why must the golfer swing on-plane? Swinging on plane is the key to good golf because each time the club shaft changes direction in relation to the target line, the club face angle changes in relation to the ball. If the club shaft strays off-plane, so will the club face – either opening or closing to the target line. And as the club face goes, so goes the ball! What is the “”arm triangle”"? In order to consistently swing on-plane, the golfer must learn to maintain the “”arm triangle”" between the shoulders, arms and hands – throughout the entire swing. If the relative position between the shoulders, arms and hands is altered or broken, the golfer can’t swing on-plane. Where does the arm triangle break down? During the golf swing, the arm triangle naturally “”folds and unfolds,”" both at the top of the back swing and in the downswing. When this folding and unfolding motion occurs (a good thing), many golfers allow their elbows to move closer together or farther apart (a bad thing). How does the Plane-EZ? differ from other training aids? The Plane-EZ’s? unique, patented design maintains the critical distance between the elbows, yet allows for a greater range of motion than other training aids. The Plane-EZ?attaches below the elbows to allow a full, unrestricted shoulder turn and is fully adjustable for right or left-handed golfers, ages 12 and up. You can practice with or without golf balls, on the range, in the backyard or even in your living room! How can the Plane-EZ? cure my dreaded slice shot? The slice shot is usually the product of an “”outside-in”" swing path. The Plane-EZ? prevents a “”flying right elbow”" on the back swing, thereby promoting an “”inside out”" swing path. The Plane-EZ? also helps pull the right elbow back to the side on the downswing. This has been coined the “”magic move”" by some experts, because without it an “”inside-out”" golf swing is next to impossible! How can the Plane-EZ? cure my hook shots? By keeping the elbows together, the Plane-EZ? helps prevent a collapsing left elbow and teaches the golfer to drive the hands through to the target to avoid a “”short arm”" st