Out of all of the mistakes you can make out on the course, a slice is probably the most common. This refers to a ball that goes to the right after you hit it, usually right into a nice stand of trees or a nearby water hazard. A slice is devastating to your game, and fixing it can be a little complicated. Here are some great tips to help you get over your slicing problem and get your score back on track.
One of the first things that many golfers try to eliminate their slice is to angle their body to the left. This is a natural compensation, and logically, you would think that it would work. However, this is a huge mistake and can actually result in slicing worse than before. Your stance may need a little work, but aiming the wrong way is not going to be very helpful.
To correct this, stand in front of your golf ball, without your club. This is an exercise that will help you get aligned properly. We’ll be adding the club in a second, but first, you need to focus on your feet and your hips. Your feet should be facing perfectly forward and should be slightly apart. As a result, your hips should also be facing the same direction.
If you notice that you’re leaning a little bit, or that your hips are not perfectly in line with your feet, bring them into line. Now, put your arms into position for your shot. If your hips move, correct them. Pretend that you are swinging your club back and again, mentally check the position of your hips. Correct them if necessary.
Repeat this until your hips are no longer pulled in the wrong direction. Once you’ve got it down, add the club back into the equation and start again. Get the feel of the right body position down until it comes absolutely naturally. This is a good exercise that you can do at home, in your backyard or even in your living room. The key is finding that “sweet spot” when your posture comes together and everything just feels right.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at some common swing issues that can exacerbate a slice. The most common problem occurs when you actually hit the ball. Instead of following through, you may pull up. This force sends the ball careening in the wrong direction.
To fix this, practice your downswing and don’t stop when you get to your golf ball. Keep the club traveling in the exact same direction for a few more inches. You’ll be using that force to literally guide the ball in the proper direction. Work on this until you have your club going perfectly straight in the right direction.
With a little practice and using these tips, you can cure even the nastiest slice and make it a lot easier to get a better score during your next round of golf.
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