Golfers want to build a dependable and repeatable swing. The ability to step up to the ball and hit it far and straight will help make you a solid golfer who enjoys getting out on the course, and can play a competitive round. However, building that type of swing takes time. There are many things that can go wrong when you swing, and hitting a ball that slices is one of them.
Step 1
Step up to the ball and take the proper stance. Your left shoulder — for a right-handed golfer — should face the target. Your left foot should be directly underneath your left shoulder. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart ,and your knees flexed in an athletic position. Play the ball about one ball length closer to your front leg than your back leg. Having the proper stance means you are squared to the target at impact. If you are not squared, there is an excellent chance you will slice the ball.
Step 2
Take a firm grip on the club, but do not squeeze it tightly. One of the major reasons for a slice is a weak grip. If you are not holding the club firmly enough, it can slip in your hands as you make contact with the ball, and the club head will change its angle during impact. This will cause the ball to slice off to the right. Grip the club at about a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10 — about the same as a firm handshake.
Step 3
Roll your hips to get your swing started. Bring your hands back at the same time. In order to hit the ball squarely and drive the ball straight and far, your hips must drive your swing. If you roll your hips backward and bring the club back at the same time, you will load your swing properly, and you will be prepared to make a solid strike of the ball with your club.
Step 4
Bring your hips forward and follow with your hands. You don't have to race during your swing. If you want to hit a straight shot and avoid a slice, you must let your hips clear the ball, then bring your hands through. Your left arm leads your hands into the ball, but your right wrist must snap on impact to keep your swing on track and keep the ball straight.
Step 5
Keep your eye on the ball all the way through the finish of your swing. Many new golfers, and some who have played the game a long time, battle the slice, and one reason is anxiety: Golfers want to see the results of their swing. That's understandable, but if you take your eye off your target before you finish swinging, you are likely to miss your target, and the result will be a shot that is sliced.
Tips and Warnings
- Go to the driving range at least twice a week in order to build a repeatable swing.
- Stay calm and don't get upset if you slice a shot or two. Remember that each swing is its own individual event. Concentrate on what you need to do correctly to make your next shot work — and not what you did wrong on the last one.
Things You'll Need
- Golf glove
- Golf shoes
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