Golf
Tips: The Simple Secret To Solving The Slice
by: Ally Canaway
The slice is a shot which usually starts off slightly to
the left, then swerves to the right in the air. The
slice is a common fault that occurs in many beginners
game and has to be one of the most frustrating things
that can happen to a golfer. In most cases, the slice is
uncontrollable and is destructive more often than not
resulting in the ball being sent deep into the rough. It
is also far more common than the hook which occurs when
the ball does the opposite through the air.
Ways to cure the slice:
Firstly, make sure your
body alignment is correct, your shoulders, chest hips
and feet should all be parallel to each other as well as
parallel to the ball to pin line. If your body is not
aligned correctly and is aiming too far to the left, the
upper body can not and does not rotate properly. This
leads to an ‘out to in’ swing which means that the club
will not be hitting through the ball but instead will be
moving from outside the ball to inside the ball as the
impact takes place. The consequence of this is side spin
being generated on the ball and the dreaded
uncontrollable slice follows.
Even if your alignment,
swing and grip are perfect, the positioning of the ball
in the stance can make a good straight shot into a shot
that slices wildly out of play. This occurs when the
ball is placed too far forward in the stance.
Once again the slicing
of the ball occurs because the club face is no longer
square on at impact with the ball. This is because the
club face has come past square and is moving in from the
ball to pin line, this again generates side spin
resulting in the ball slicing again.
Ideal ball placement is
different for every club, but this is a rough guide:
For woods and long
irons, the ball should be placed inline with the inside
of your left heel (opposite for left hand players), for
short irons place the ball in the centre of the stance,
for medium irons the ball should be placed between two
positions mentioned above.
Posture should be
checked as weight distribution can also have an affect.
Having your weight too far forward can encourage the
slice so be wary of your weight distribution.
If all else fails, try
strengthening your grip. Do this by moving your hands
slightly clockwise around the club, then adjust your
grip so you’re holding it more in your fingers and
lighten the pressure, this should help reduce the affect
of the slicing.
Happy golfing!
