Fix A Slice And Hit A Golf Ball Straight Every Time
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by: MickEuanTait
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So why do so many golfers struggle to hit a golf ball straight? First, we have to understand why the golf ball moves to the right (a slice) or to the left (a hook). After you have learned how to fix a slice or a hook, you can then move on to how to hit a draw (a controlled shot that moves to the left) and how to hit a fade (a controlled shot that moves to the right.)
The following descriptions and instruction deals with the slice; for the hook everything is generally reversed. A slice is created by a significant tilt of the spin-axis of the golf ball to the right, or a clockwise spin. A slice usually ends up right of the target line, and the term is often used when the curve in the trajectory is extreme and unintentional. The less extreme version of a slice is called a "fade".
In the basics of the golf swing, if you want to hit the ball squarely and hit a golf ball straight every time, you must return the club head to the original spot at the impact position. The slice is caused when you leave the club face open when striking the ball, which makes the ball spin in a clockwise movement. The swing path is normally correct but the ball is not struck squarely at impact, mostly because of a "weak grip."
If you find that you can not hit a golf ball straight, then the initial problem could be your grip. Whether you use an overlapping grip, an interlocking grip, or a baseball grip, the aspect of your grip that can influence the golf balls flight path is the strength of the grip. So, if you want to fix a slice, move your hands around to the right on the grip into a strong grip position.
There are several other factors you can try to cure a slice. The first is not to grip the club so tightly that you tense up the muscles of the wrist and forearms. Also, work on increasing the speed of your golf swing as a faster swing speed will give you more distance and, most importantly, it will reduce the amount of slice that you pass on to the golf ball. You may be using the wrong flex of shaft which can affect your shots; if you hit over 250 yards then use a stiff or extra stiff flex, from 200 to 250 yards use a firm or regular flex, and under 200 yards use a ladies or senior flex.
If you want to hit a golf ball straight then you have to setup correctly. Line up your feet and shoulders square and parallel to the target line. Even though your right shoulder will be lower than your left, they should still be parallel to the target. The ball position is also important; with a driver, place the ball opposite the instep of your left foot. Stand the correct distance away from the ball so that the club is grounded properly; if it is tilted forward then you are too close to the ball, if it is tilted backwards then you are too far from the ball.
Remember all the basics of the golf swing; keep your eyes on the ball, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed, spine straight and chin up. I won't go into detail about the golf swing here, just take your club back straight and bring it down again on the same plane. Maintain the same swing speed throughout the backswing and the downswing - don't try to over hit the ball.
Finally, another couple of swing faults that will not allow you to hit a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway are the push and the pull. Unlike the slice, the push shot is when the ball goes off directly to the right, and the pull shot is when it goes directly to the left. A push is an action of the golf swing and is normally an in-to-out swing path and the pull is an out-to-in swing path. The push or pull comes from an improper golf swing and not knowing the basics of the swing.
About the Author
Mick Euan Tait has more free golf swing tips including how to hit a golf ball straight and fix a slice.
Also, if you sign up for his newsletter you will receive a mini-series taken from his book "The Ultimate Guide To Golf."
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