One of the most frustrating things in all of sports has got to be the pain-staking experience of learning how to hit a golf ball. On the other hand, one of the most satisfying feelings in all of sports is a 300 yard drive right down the middle of the fairway. One speed bump that seemingly everyone must conquer when establishing their swing is the infamous slice shot. This seemingly never-ending phase of unintentional mishits will really put your nerves to the test. The following tips should help to correct this all too common problem. Study them carefully and as always practice makes perfect.
Pre Swing Setup
Proper Grip: The wrong grip makes a slice shot almost inevitable. Many players use a grip that's either too weak or too tight. The grip has little to do with the intended direction of the shot, but has everything to do with the position of the club face at impact with the ball. Grips can be a very individualized aspect of the golfing game. Certain generalizations can be made, however, to avoid hitting a slice. When in your stance, you should be able to look down and see at minimum two knuckles on your left hand. Also, the "V's" that form between the thumb and knuckle of the index finger on both hands should be pointing close to your right shoulder. If using these grip techniques properly, you can be sure that the slice is not coming from your grip.
Proper Stance: When a golfer is slicing to the right, it is only natural to compensate by aiming more to the left with your stance. This seemingly common sense fix, as a matter of fact, will only exacerbate the slicing motion because it causes the swing's circle to be too far to the left. Your stance should be straight and squared to the golf ball. Practice this by placing a club on the ground, parallel to your target line. Be sure that your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are parallel to that club on the ground!
Swing
Back Swing: The two basic miscues that create a slice on the back swing are going too high and a clockwise twisting of the golf club shaft. If your back swing goes too high, and not enough around, the angle of the club face upon striking the ball will be too steep. Next time out, take a look at your back swing. Make sure that, at the top, the shaft is over your shoulder and not over your head. You will notice that your left arm will come across your chest, creating a flatter back swing.
Club Face Position: The club face position is an important aspect of the back swing. To avoid rotating the club face, simply just hold on to the club. Do not twist, hinge, rotate, or make any movements with your wrists. At the top of your back swing, the back of your left wrist should be absolutely straight!
Practice these techniques next time you hit the links; even exaggerate your new form. Once mastered, these steps will eliminate the ever-frustrating slice from your game.