How to Not Slice a Golf Ball
Slicing a golf ball is one of the most common mistakes made by beginning golfers. Slicing the ball means that the the ball has side spin and curves from left to right for right-handed golfers and right to left for left-handed golfers. Curing a tendency to slice takes practice because you need to break incorrect swing habits.
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Instructions
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Check your grip to make sure your hands are properly positioned. The overlap grip, also called the Vardon grip, is the most common grip. A correct grip will help you keep your club face square when it meets the golf ball. You should avoid gripping the club too tight or too loose. A tight grip will interfere with your rhythm.
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2
Check your stance and make sure your feet are lined up straight. You can do this by lining up a club on the ground and placing your toes so they are touching the club. Make sure your shoulders are square with your feet. Balance your weight between the balls and center of your feet. You do not want to be on your toes or putting your weight on your heels. Having a balanced stance will help your swing and follow-through.
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3
Place the golf ball in the correct position for your height and stance. If you stand too close to the ball, your swing will be compressed and your club face will not hit the ball squarely. If you stand too far away from the ball, you will also be forced to compensate your swing, which can cause you to slice the ball.
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Practice keeping your club face square to the golf ball on your down swing. An open club face is the most common reason a golfer slices the golf ball. The club face should not be open or flared out to one side when it makes contact with the golf ball. Maintain your stance and watch the club face as your take the club back and bring it down. Slow down your stroke so you can focus on the fundamentals. Once you can control your club face better, the probability of slicing the ball will decrease.
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Identify the path of your golf club on your swing. You should slowly take the club straight back, then bring the club on the same path on the way down. Many golfers twist the club in the air and bring it back at an angle, causing a slice.
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Tips & Warnings
Have a golf pro or a friend who knows how to play golf watch your swing. Another person can give you a different viewpoint and he may be able to notice what part of your swing or stance is causing you to slice the ball.
