3 Ways to Fix Your Slice Shot

 

Firstly, we must define what exactly a slice shot is. There are many senior golfers who are not clear on this definition.

For right-handed golfers - the ball flight starts on the left side of the target, then curves to the right in the air and finishes on the right side of the target. The most important part of this definition is that the ball starts to the left of the target. If a senior golfer hits the ball to the right of the target and moves further to the right in the air, this is a putt cut caused by a different swing error.

A slice is created when the club takes an outward to inward swing path with the club face open to the swing path and target. A swing path from outside to inside causes the ball to start to the left of the target, while a clubface that is open to this path and the target causes the ball to curve to the right and end up to the right of the target. If a long-player experiences a slice as described above, then these three solutions should help straighten the ball's flight.

1. Older golfers should first check their grip for problems because the slice results from an open clubface relative to the target and swing path. A 'weak grip' can cause the clubface to open up during the swing and impact.

When the top hand is too far down the club (this means that when seniors look down at address they can only see one or two knuckles of the top hand) or when the bottom hand is too far up the club (this means that when seniors look down at address they can only see three or four knuckles of the bottom hand), it can cause a weak grip.
For right-handed golfers， Its purpose is to achieve a neutral grip. When looking down, the golfer should see two half-knuckles on the upper hand, with the thumb and index finger forming a V pointing towards the right shoulder.

The player should see one and a half knuckles in the bottom hand, with the V formed by the thumb and index finger pointing between the chin and the right shoulder (for right-handed players).

This grip will give the senior golfer the best chance of squaring the clubface at impact.
2. Lack of forearm rotation. Another reason the clubface may open at impact is the lack of forearm rotation. As the club passes through the ball, the forearm should rotate and cross this will keep the club face balanced at impact. For help in getting this feel, senior golfers can perform the following exercises.

Hit 20 balls with a 7-iron half-swing and exaggerate the forearm rotation at impact. If successful, the club face should be pointing almost to the ground for half of the swing. The senior golfer may even try to hit a hook or pull shot. After hitting 20 balls with a half-swing, apply the same feel to a full swing.
3. The club must travel from the outside to the inside (cross-cutting the body). To help achieve the correct club path from inside to square to outside, use the following exercises.

Place a row of tee stakes or a box on the outside of the ball and practice hitting the club head sweeping along the inside of the stakes/box. If the club hits the peg/box, the golfer will get instant feedback to determine if their swing path is from outside to inside.