The slice is one of the most prevalent shots in golf. It’s also one of the most difficult to master. Why? It robs even the best golfers of distance. Thankfully, there are various ways you can fix a golf slice. One includes knowing how to use your grip and stance correctly. Doing so will help you lessen your sidespin.
From ensuring you’re gripping the golf club using your fingers and not your palms to making sure your shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned, you can adopt various tips and tricks to help you perfect your slice.
This handy guide gives insight into why a golf sidespin occurs and what you can do to prevent it. Read on to learn more.
What Causes You to Slice the Ball?
2.2 million people played on a golf course at least once in 2022-23, with 50% of those people playing at least one form of alternative golf either on the driving range, on a simulator, or on a mini-golf course. Despite this, slicing the ball is still a common issue.
Let’s discuss why a slice happens and how to go about fixing your slice.
A slice occurs when a sidespin is put on your ball. The result? Your golf ball curves left (if you’re left-handed) and right (if you’re right-handed). This presents issues with both direction and distance, meaning you can miss your intended shot entirely.
How to Fix a Slice
The good news is you can fix your slice. It involves ensuring your clubface is square at impact. Another option involves teaching yourself to compensate for the slice and aiming slightly further to the right or left. The best way to solve your slice issues, however, is to perfect your grip and alignment. Aside from that, make sure to keep your golf clubs sharp with a groove sharpener. We’ve listed more on this below:
1. Adjust your Grip to Rotate the Club
When it comes to curing your slice, firstly, analyze your grip. If your hands are rotated too far forward on the grip, this suggests you have a weaker pose. You can strengthen this by learning how to reposition your grip. Often, all it takes is a slight adjustment, which can be practiced to perfection.
An excellent way to check if your grip is correct is to make sure you can see the knuckle of your index finger on your left hand. In addition to this, ensure your right hand is rotated away from the target. Although this position may initially feel strange, you will get used to it. The more you practice this style, the more natural it will feel.
2. Realign Your Position to Straighten the Shot
As well as grip, alignment is crucial to your golf playing ability. If you’re a slicer, you’ll point your feet, shoulders, and hips to the left or right of your target. This will prevent your golf ball from going in the direction you want.
When your feet, shoulders, and hips face the target straight on, it will make swinging your club much easier. This will help you to stay on track and take fewer shots overall.
3.Other Methods to Correct a Slice
Once you’ve mastered pre-swing fundamentals, you can embrace additional methods to correct your swing and straighten your drive. These include:
- Once you’ve set up your swing, move your right foot back three to four inches. Having your right foot slightly back will give you the feeling of swinging your golf club from the inside rather than straight across the line.
- If you’re looking square up, swing your club parallel to the ground away from you. When initiating this movement, look down at your glove. If in the correct position, the logo should be facing forward.
- Practice hitting shots with your golf ball positioned above your feet. This will encourage you to swing inside and out. You’ll hit fewer slices when you keep your stance square.
The Bottom Line
Golf is a popular pastime. This sport provides mental well-being benefits. Research highlights that golf can help individuals improve their confidence, self-esteem, and anxiety. No wonder many want to perfect their swing!
Following the above tips and tricks will help you to stop slicing the ball. These include ensuring you’re gripping your golf club with your fingers, not your palms. To ensure you’re in the correct position, check your club handle. It should run diagonally across your hand. To help you move into the correct position on the takeaway, always ensure your glove’s logo is pointing toward the ground on the takeaway. Rotate the logo of your golf glove towards the sky as you prepare for your downswing.
The bottom line? Keeping your stance square will help you to stop slicing your ball.
