When golfers start to play the game, the primary goal is to hit the ball straight. Most beginners know the feeling of standing over the ball, taking a shoulder-width stance, taking a smooth swing and driving the ball up the middle. That satisfying feeling is what brings most golfers back for more. However, those wonderful shots are usually outnumbered by shots that veer off course. The slice is one of the most common flawed shots that golfers have to correct.
Stance
Many golfers slice the ball because they don't square their shoulders when they stand over the ball. In order to hit the ball straight, your left shoulder -- for a right-handed golfer -- should be facing the target. Many golfers open up their stance as they prepare to hit the ball, which causes the hands to get to the ball a split second before the hips. This results in the ball shooting off to the right for a sliced shot.
Grip
A loose grip can result in a consistent slice. New and high-handicap golfers often have a difficult time gripping the club the same way each time they take hold of the club. A grip that is too tight will often result in a shot that is hooked to the left, but if the grip is too loose, the club head will not stay steady upon impact with the ball and the ball will slice off to the right. In order to grip the club properly, hold it at a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10, or about the same as a firm handshake.
Full Follow Through
One of the reasons slicing the ball is a problem that many beginners face is that they are anxious to see the results of their shot once they make contact. To hit the ball well and keep it straight, you need to follow through fully. That means your hips must continue to turn once contact is made and you get your hands up to shoulder height. At that point, you can pick your head up and look for the ball. Until that point, keep your head down and finish your swing.
Expert Insight
Golfers at all stages of development have issues with their swing. The slice is a problem that regularly impacts beginners, but at some point in their careers nearly all golfers have a problem with the slice. According to noted golf instructor Hank Haney, a golfer can solve the problem by following two key steps: "First, feel that you're keeping your back to the target at the top for an extra beat as you start your arms and hands down toward the ball," Haney says. "Second, make sure your shoulders don't turn more than 90 degrees past their starting position -- check them at the finish."
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