In order to correct a slice in golf you first have to understand the causes of slices. From knowing this, you can then figure out what is causing your slice and devise a plan to help eliminate it.

A slice is caused when the club strikes the ball and the club is either a) not square to the ball, or b) the club is not moving along the correct path as it strikes the ball. At impact if the club is not square to the ball, the angled club as it strikes the ball will cause the ball to spin sideways. This sideways spin of the ball will cause the ball to curve in the direction of spin. If your swing is not on the correct path you likely have an inside-out (club passes closer to your back leg than front leg) or outside-in (club passes closer to your front leg than back leg) swing. This, even though you may be striking the ball square, will cause the ball to spin sideways.

In order to correct situation a, you need to square your club at impact. This will most likely take a change to your actual swing (surprise surprise). You need to ensure that during your swing your arm and wrist positions return to the starting position at impact. If your arm and wrist do not return to this position, the club head will be out of line, and you will slice the ball.

In order to correct situation b, you need to ensure a correct swing path. A driver requires a sweeping swing to be most effective and during this sweeping swing, you should aim to keep the club moving as straight through the ball as possible. To help eliminate my own slice, I've found it helps to exaggerate the follow through so you finish out and away rather than to turn and pull through the ball. By finishing out and square, you are helping to ensure square contact with the ball with the correct swing path.

Since a slice is caused entirely by ball spin, picking up a low spin ball will likely help with your slice. The downside of a low spin ball is that it will also reduce your distance. You will lose distance because a well struck ball will have backspin, which causes it to rise and travel farther.

Above all, practice, try minor changes to your swing and see what helps and what doesn't. Eventually you will notice which changes work. If you are still having trouble fixing your slice, lessons are a good way to go since an instructor can look at your swing and notice your problem areas easier than you can notice them yourself.

Happy golfing.

Learn more about this author, Bradley Bergeron.
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