How to Get Rid of a Bad Slice

A bad slice may be the main source for frustration for golfers. It's frustrating to hit a majestic shot, only to watch take a sharp turn in mid-air and wind up in the trees, long grass or even the water. Many times, your attempts to fix the problem only makes it worse, but following these instructions should help make your next 18 holes a little more enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

• Golf club, preferably a driver
• Tees
• Golf balls

Instructions

1. Once you have the ball teed up, the first step is to align your feet properly. Many people believe to limit the effects of a slice, they must turn their bodies away (to the left for right-handed golfers; right for left-handed golfers) from the direction of the slice. But in actuality that makes the slice worse. You should stand with your feet parallel so that if you were to lay your club on the ground, the shaft would be pointing directly at your target.

2. Make sure the ball is in the center of your stance and when you place the club head behind the ball, stand close enough that you can rest your hands straight down from your shoulders. You should not be reaching out with the club, nor should the club be pressed into you as both will exacerbate the slice.

3. The key to not slicing the ball lies with the arms and more importantly the elbow on the back arm (the arm away from the direction of the shot). When bringing the club back to begin the swinging motion, make sure the back elbow stays in contact with your side as long as possible. Think of it as being connect with tape to the side of your shirt. It is okay to let the elbow come off the side at the top of the back swing but it is recommended that you cut down on your back swing while trying to cure the slice.

4. As you bring the club forward the back elbow should once again be pressed into the side as you bring the club through. This will accomplish two things. One, it will force you to pivot your body as to make your waist lead the way through the shot increasing power and, two, will force your arms to "turnover" as they reach the ball. Turning over is arms twisting at the elbow which will bring the club head around to hit the ball flush.

5. While bringing the club forward and keeping your elbow into your side, it is also important that you keep your front shoulder pointed down and in the direction that you want the ball to fly. There is a tendency for golfers to bring the front shoulder around as a natural response to the swing but that will result in the ball flying straight, but off to the left (for right-handed golfers).

6. After making contact with the ball, it is important to keep your head down, looking at the ball, until your back shoulder forces the head forward and the club finishes over your front shoulder. When you have completed a golf swing successfully, you should be in a position to see the ball fly. If you find yourself looking in a different direction, revisit Step 5.

Tips & Warnings

• When attempting to change your golf swing, it is important to get on the driving range and practice. Muscle memory, or teaching your body to do the same swing every time, can take several months. So before each round, hit a bucket of balls on the driving range or go to a shot simulator to work on your new swing.