How do I correct a wicked slice?

Question

How do I correct a pretty bad slice in my golf swing? Sometimes i slice it and sometime i hit it straight but when I slice it, it can sometimes be pretty bad. I dont understand what's changing from shot to shot.

Answer 1

Assuming you're right-handed. Most people's problem are caused by poor setup. I'm only going to mention a couple of things that happen during the swing, but make sure your setup is corrected first.

If you have your right thumb on the shaft when you set up, take it off. That thumb should not be involved in the swing at all, just let it hang loose. Having it on the shaft puts your right hand in control of the swing, which helps lead to a big slice.

Weaken your grip. Make sure the back of your left hand is perpendicular to the ground when you address the ball. Bring your right hand farther over the club so that the V made by the thumb and index finger points up the inside of your right arm. It may feel funny, but stick with it.

Make sure you are actually aligned with the target. Many folks have trouble with this. Put a club on the ground in front of your feet lined up with the target, then line your feet up with that club. You might even try moving your left foot slight closer to the club than your right foot. This will help keep your hips closed during the swing, which will cut down on your slice.

When you take the club back, try to keep it on the line of the ball longer than you do now. That will make you have a downswing on a flat or inside line that will help the slice.

Make sure you don't have a reverse weight shift. At the top of your backswing, your weight should be mostly on your right leg, then shift as you swing to the left. Lots of people have a tendency to lean forward when they coil, then shift back during the swing which causes a huge slice.

The only real technical swing thing I'm going to give you is to make sure that your wrist c0ck at the top of the swing is correct. Your left wrist should be flat, not bent back or down. When it c0cks, it should actually c0ck towards the inside of your elbow. It's kind of a funny motion, but practice it. It is a real key. If you "hood" the club (wrist bends back) you will usually have a hook. If you "lay off" (wrist bends down) at the top of the back swing, you will usually slice.

Watch the ball, and don't swing too hard. Rhythm is the key to hitting long and straight, not brute strength.

(The Yahoo censor thing wouldn't let the word "c0ck" through, hence the weird spelling)

Answer 2

Watch the ball and your club at the same time. make sure that your club is hitting the ball squarely every time. If you're hitting a wicked slice then your club is probably hitting the club with the face opened to the left. work on how you are contacting the ball.

Answer 3

Try moving the ball back in your stance. Make sure your grip has the Vs of your thumbs and first fingers pointing to your right shoulder (if right handed). Make sure you are releasing the club and rotating your arms on the follow through. Check your take away and ensure you are bringing the club on an inside out swing path - square up and think about the clubhead going out to right center field. All else fails, get a lesson.

Answer 4

Typically, it has to do with too much motion in your lower body during the swing.

Practice holding your lower half still letting your shoulders make your hips turn for you. This will produce a better swing "down the chute", correcting what is likely an outside-in swing to one that's more on-plane.

Answer 5

everyone above me has great tips, mine is this:

set up a routine to do before every shot. focus on an area you want to hit it at. take a few practice swings to relax you and for muscle memory so your body remembers the motions you just performed. slow your backswing, keep your head still and focus on hitting the ball.

Answer 6

Since you hit it straight sometimes it might be your hips are not clearing. Try moving your back foot about 6 inches away from the ball so your two feet are not even at address.

Answer 7

Read this web page:

http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips/tips/sullivan004.asp