do i have a slice probelm?

maybe u guys can shed some light on this. i often got this ball filght probelm especially with the long iron. the ball start flying off square, then slightly to the left & the last stage of the flight it curves sharply left. i thought thats a slice, but i read a book recently that show that those type of ball flight could mean a pull shot or a hook. so which is right? sure is confusing

If you are playing right handed, then your book's discription is correct. It appears your ball flight is some where between a draw, and hook based on your ball flight discription. Maybe even a pull/hook for that matter. GJS

I hope this helps you to understand what is happening:

A golf ball can go straight, arc right or arc left. It can also go straight then arc right or left.

The arc or turn is caused by side spin, clockwise side spin will turn it to the right(Fade or Slice for a right hander), anticlockwise spin will turn it to the left (Draw or Hook for a right hander) The draw is only a less severe arc than the hook and the same for the Fade and Slice.

Now! A ball can travel a distance straight then start to turn right or left. This is due to the initial velocity of the ball overpowering the side spin, as the ball slows the side spin takes effect and starts turning the ball.

Sidespin is created by striking the ball a glancing blow where the clubface is either open or closed with respect to the swingpath at impact, an open clubface will create clockwise spin a closed one counterclockwise spin.

So! getting back to your problem. If you are right handed you will be hooking when it turns left, your clubface will be closed at impact . Check your grip is not too strong, that the clubface is square at address, also check that you are not playing the ball too far forward or that you are not over rotating your wrists.

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Best Regards
Brian

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Funny o'l game!

You may have a strong right hand, over active. You could be swinging or unwinding to fast, closing the clubface, hitting the ball on the 1st stage of the follow through. Check your tempo and work on a smooth rhythm.

Hope that is of some help.