How to Stop Slicing a Golf Shot

By Teresa Justine Kelly

Many beginner golfers' tee shots are usually big banana-arc slices to the right. Even seasoned golfers find they slice their tee shots on occasion. There could be many contributing factors that cause your tee shots to slice. The main culprit for the slice is an opened club face with the club face pointing to the right of the swing path.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Strengthen your grip by rotating your left hand toward the right of the club, displaying three knuckles and having the left thumb right of center of the club.

Step 2

Point the "V" formed by your left thumb and index finger toward your right shoulder.

Step 3

Apply your right hand to the club.

Step 4

Point the "V" of your thumb and index finger to your right shoulder.

Step 5

Make sure that one knuckle of the right hand should be visible.

Step 1

Make sure your feet, hips and shoulders are in line in relation to the target.

Step 2

Slow down the tempo. A slower back swing will allow you to make a smoother transition into the down swing.

Step 3

Use a grip pressure of three on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the strongest.

Step 1

Make sure the shaft of your club is parallel to your target at the top of your swing.

Step 2

Notice that as you begin your down swing, the end of the shaft should be pointing at or just near the ball.

Step 3

Keep your swing on plane will insure a square club face on the downswing and at impact.

Tips & Warnings

Place some masking tape on the face of your driver when you're at the driving range. The marks left on the masking tape after striking the ball will show you whether you're hitting your ball squarely on the face of the club, indicating if the club is open or square at impact. Once you understand how and why you slice your ball, with practice, you will consistently hit straighter shots. Knowing how to slice when needed is an advantage. Knowledge is power. You'll discover that there are benefits to an intended slice, especially if you want to gently fade a ball around an object like a tree.

Curing a golf slice takes time and practice. It's also advisable to check your swing technique at home in a mirror. Practice your back swing and look in the mirror to see if in fact the shaft of your club is parallel in your back swing. Then, as you descend the club, check to see if the end of the club is pointing at or near where the ball would be on your down swing, checking also if the club face is open or square.

About The Author

Teresa Kelly graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. She was an editor for seven years for several magazines and publishing houses. Kelly is an avid golfer, a well-known children's book and golf author, and is currently the president of Highview Press/Golfing Lady that produces all occasion golf greeting cards.

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