curing the slice

Hi folks.
The slice can be one of the most destructive shots in golf, it can destroy confidence and in some cases, lead to people give up the game completely.

Before we attempt to cure the slice, lets have a quick look at what causes this destructive shot to happen.

There are TWO main factors that cause a golfer to slice, the first being a out-to-in swing path. This swingpath cuts across the target line from out-to-in direction, as opposed to the correct in-to-out-to-in path.This coupled with the second fault, an open clubface, work together to vary the degree of the outcome.The clubface being open to the swing path may be the technical cause of all slices but it.s the out-to-in swing that makes the slice so complicated and so difficult to cure.If you cure just one factor ,you will most likely still slice!

The only effective way to cure the slice is a two step procedure. You must work on only one factor at a time. If you try to work on both the open clubface and the out-to-in swing at the same time you will doom yourself to failure.
You must start by working on curing your outside-to-inside swing first , for two reasons. First, you can measure your progress when working on the out-to-in swing by looking at your divots(on grass ) or scuff marks on the practice mat. Most golfers will find that after straightening their swing path, curing the open clubface is much easier.

So lets start by curing the swingpath:
Developing an in-to-out swing path with a headcover near the ball gives you a ideal visual key to remind you not to swing outside in. Position the ball near the front edge of the headcover.When you.re on a tee, position your ball next to a divot or mark. The position of the divot just outside your ball will provide you with a visual substitute and reminder of the headcover drill. Some golfers find it helps to elevate the left heel a little on the backswing. Planting the left heel on the downswing creates a lateral movement making the inside-to-outside swing easier.
Next, aim to hit the ball on the inside rear quarter. These are all visual aids that will lead you to swing on the correct path.Before you begin your downsing , try not to be too active with the shoulders, i always try to keep my back to the target for as long as possible and let left knee and then hips initiate the downswing.
now, lets deal with the open clubface:
We are goint to attempt to completely alter your ball flight, from a fade to a draw.Once you can consistently hit a draw you stand a much greater chance of erradicating the slice.
To hit a draw: Aim the clubface squarely at the target, but instead of aligning your body parallel to the target line, set up a little closed with your feet, knees, hips and shoulders slightly to the right of the target. The more you want to draw the ball the more closed your stance. Swing the club in the direction your hips and shoulders are pointing at address. Some golfers find it a help to pick a secondary target to align their bodies with, then they concentrate on swinging their hands straight out toward the secondary target in their follow-though.

Expect YOUR slice to get bigger for a while as a normal step in the corrective process. It.s normal for the slice to get bigger while you are working on it.

__________________
the dog wags the tail....the tail dosn't wag the dog

Great tips here and all good. I especially like the one where you tee the ball up next to a divot.
One thing I like to do especially with driver is turn the right hand over to the right so the palm is just a little under the club with the right hand knuckles more facing the ground. This allows me to come from the inside and I get more release. This takes practice in getting just the right amount of right hand release turning the club over. I like to do this while taking the club back more inside-the golf swing is not up and down in a circle but is around and oval-so this allows me to hit out to right field and draw the ball back in.
With irons, right hand palm is facing target and I still hit out to right field with a draw
Ball position is also important so this takes some work and lastly, many have a poor concept of driver, woods, irons. ie. driver/woods are more sweeping upwards in path while irons require a more descending blow.

You must have a really good hand action through impact , becuase using the grip that you describe above would cause most people to severely hook the ball.

You bring up a a HUGE point about the left heel. Most golfers don't realize that a perfect balanced finished has 90% of your weight on your left heel. Too many golfers get up on their left toes.

We you pivot the right way and come from the inside, that is where the weight will end up.

20 to 1 your best shots also have your best finish positions.

I agree. That was the reason I was hooking the ball.

hi folks. time for my two cents.

Although aftfords original post contained some sound advice and ideas,

You must also take into account that without sound funamentals. GRIP, POSTURE, ALIGNMENT AND BALL POSITION, you will be trying in vain, becuase most swing problems can be traced back to a fault with any one of these.

good luck and regards everybody Terry

Hi Tel

Thanx for the xtra advice , ( rather remiss of me to overlook FUNDAMENTALS ) and i totally agree.

Hitting out to right field produces a nice draw; easy to control by changing the amount of right hand grip down or more on side of club with palm facing target.
Never slice, never hook; I play to a 3

I got back to my old swing thoughts and shot a 75 (par 71) this weekend. Hit the 2nd best drive of my life and hit 9 fairways (2 in the 1st cut as well).

My thoughts....

1) Swing to a balanced finish - weight on the left heel, maintain spine angle
2) Right shoulder UNDER my chin, not across - keeps me well inside and produces a pretty draw

To groove this I made 2 very smooth and slow practice swings followed by a 70% effort swing. I made sure to get right shoulder down and under and end up with my weight on my left heel. I then tried to copy my 70% effort. Natural tendancies jack up your speed slightly so you dont need to think about hitting it.

__________________
What's in my bag....
Cleveland VP 2 Blade Putter
Ping Tour Wedges, 54 & 60
TaylorMade rac LT2, 4i thru PW
Tour Edge Exotics Iron-Wood 21* 3i - Aldila NV 90 Stiff Shaft
Ping G5 18* 5 Wood - ProLaunch Blue 75 Stiff Shaft
Ping G5 15* 3 Wood - Aldila NV 75 Stiff Shaft
Cleveland HiBore XL 9.5* - Fujikura Fit-On Red Stiff Shaft