Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
Any golfer will tell you that they want their game to get off to the perfect start, and of course we all feel the same. However, one of the most common faults which can lead to a significant score increase is a slice right off the tee.
There are two main types of slice which are the classic and the push slice, and both can be a real problem for us as golfers. So, how exactly can you fix it?
Well, it could be as simple as fixing your grip or even changing your posture – but there’s a lot we could dive into here. So, let’s explore further.
This handy guide will explain everything you need to know ranging from what a slice is, why it’s caused and how you can work to fix it.
Read on to learn more!
What Exactly Is A Slice?
So, when it comes to golf, as we said, there are two main types of slice.
The first is known as the classic slice and this is when the ball starts left from where you are intending it to go and then veers wildly to the right.
The second is called a push slice and this is when the ball starts to the right of your target and continues to push itself wildly to the right.
Here, we’re looking at it from a right hander’s perspective. This is important to note because slices will of course still occur for left handed golfers, but you can expect the slice direction to be the opposite.
In other words, the ball will veer to the left of your intended target, rather than to the right.
Why Is A Slice A Problem?
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably already angry at your slice – but why might this be a problem to your game?
Well, here’s some of the most poignant points:
The Shot Is Weak And Cannot Be Controlled
Because a slice is largely caused by a glancing blow, it’s not a good shot at all. Not only this, the wind will definitely affect the ball’s direction even further and while some slices go high, others will go low – meaning zero control from you.
You’ll Find It Almost Impossible To Aim For A Slice
The wild curving that comes from a slice is basically impossible to accommodate for, and as a result – there’s almost nothing that you as a golfer can do to resolve the shot.
In other words, it does not matter what you think you can do to change it – it will always head to the right (for right handers) and always head to the left (for left handers).
Despite what some other golfers will tell you that supposedly you can aim a little more to the left to accommodate for a slice – it very rarely comes off like that.
The Distance Is Affected
The majority of golfers will know that you cannot really afford to lose out on distance. A slice can significantly reduce your distance.
Resultedly, this makes the game much more difficult for you and will be detrimental to your score.
Can Become Costly
As most slices will result in the ball ending up in places that you cannot find or get to, this means you will ultimately need to buy more. Who would want to spend more money when they do not need to?
What’s The Cause Of A Slice?
Usually a slice is the result of an open clubface when in relation to your swing path at the point of impact. Now of course, there are degrees to this that you must also consider.
The more or the less that your clubface is open will make a difference to how much your ball will slice. For example, a 3 degrees open clubface will give you a great and perfectly repeatable fade.
On the flip side, any club 6 degrees open at the point of impact will certainly result in a bad slice. This doesn’t mean you should hit the ball with a closed clubface though – as this could lead to a hook or a draw.
How To Fix A Slice
We now come to the crux of our guide. Here are some great tips for solving a slice.
Strengthen Your Grip
As we just spoke about, one of the biggest contributing factors to a slice will be where the clubface is pointing at the moment of impact. So, you’ve got to naturally consider your grip before you move on.
Begin with your natural grip but increase your strength and rotate the grip to the right until you notice three of your knuckles down at address.
This may take a few tries to get right – but remember, the goal here is to avoid a slice, not hit the perfect shot. Do this until you get it right.
Fix The Posture
You will want to stand straight and with your club in your hand, press it to the top of your hips. Prepare for a shot with your knees slightly bent until you feel a little pressure coming from your hamstrings.
Maintain your weight distribution from your heels and the middle of your feet. Once again, this will take some practice.
Fix The Point Of Contact
The contact needs to be centered to the toe and this will improve the right to left spin, due to how most golf clubs are designed – particularly when it comes to drivers.
You can practice getting this right by using some cheap foot powder spray and work on the contact centrally or just off-center.
Final Thoughts
Slices can be problematic if they are regular occurrences, but if you know why they are happening, then you can work towards fixing them by using some of our top tips!
