Terrible Slice

[hawiidude87]

Hey guys, I'm new here but I find this site very helpful. For the past couple of months, I have been having serious problems with slicing. Its not an ocasional slice, it is every time i hit the ball with a wood.

I have learned to adjust my game to it but it is bothering me because with this problem, I am limited to a 150 yard drive. Let me help you understand how bad my problem is first. If the hole I am aiming for is at 12 o'clock, i aim slightly less then ten o'clock.

People have commented that it looks like I'll smack it on the highway, it's that bad. It never fails to slice however, and it is not my club because I have tried many different clubs. Any tips on how to fix this problem would be gratefully appreciated; I feel like its something simple that I am missing, and sorry if it is already answered on this site.

Thanks.

[GregJWillis]

Re: Terrible Slice

Start with the grip:

Where is your right hand on the club? (assuming your right handed) Make sure it is on top of the grip with the fingers tucked under. Your palm should feel like you can push DOWN on the grip, not from the side.

Now that you are in a state of shock of where the right hand should be, lets talk about the left arm:

This is the DOMINANT arm for most of the swing. So hit about 10 shots with your feet facing away from the target (turn 90 degrees to your right, and get your back facing the target). See how the right hand feels on the club now? On top works and feels right. Now, the top of your left hand has to feel like you meet the ball square, not the right.

Setup normal, for the next 10 shots, make sure your hips and chest are facing the target at impact. You have to rotate them fully prior to impact. This will square the face, add rotational power, and let the dominate arm work the way is was supposed to work.

You will pull just about every shot now becase you hands were so used to shutting the face down.

So work The Right hand Drill next and you should be good to go.

[hawiidude87]

Re: Terrible Slice

Well Greg, I have to start by saying thanks for such a quick reply, and I took a few swings out back after reading that and watching the right arm drill, it feels much different, and it is clear what my mistakes were before. I am heading to the range in a few hours so I'll keep you posted.

[hawiidude87]

Re: Terrible Slice

I noticed after 20 swings or so I was making a cleaner contact with the ball and there still is a slight hook to the right but I am working on that with your previous help, but it leads me to another problem, if you dont mind me asking: I hit it between 150 and 170 every time, I cant seem to break 200. Any tips on lengthening the drive would be greatly appreciated. It is not just with a driver, every club I use, my drives are shorter than they should be. For instance, I use a 5 wood on a par 3 whereas my brother will use a 7 iron.
(Forgive me for posting in the wrong section)

Thanks.

[gord962]

Re: Terrible Slice

Best thing to do is to post a video for review. It's hard to get a read on your problem without a visual.

[GregJWillis]

Re: Terrible Slice

...I hit it between 150 and 170 every time, I cant seem to break 200. Any tips on lengthening the drive...

Power comes from the combination of several sources. So you will have to help us with your personal issues. Age and athleticsism will be constraints. If you are good there, then lets start with lengthining of your arc. Stand upright, and let the club and left arm stick straight out in front of you. Bend your wrist up so this forms a 90 degree angle. Just rotate back with your shoulders and hips so your back is to the target and let everything else stay the same in respect to your shoulders. Feel the streach in your lower back? This is maximizing your arc. Get to this position from a normal setup now.

Now work on attacking the ball with power. Turn your hips fully so your belly button is facing the target, and let your arms drop downward. Remember the left arm and hand being square to the ball now? Allow your right wrist to help the arms drop down only...never across the ball...but DOWN...H-A-R-D!. This creates the needed acceleration you want while maintaining the consistancy you are able to control.