The "slot" has to do with the optimal swing path on the downswing and helps a player make solid contact with the ball every time. How the Slot Works Renowned golf instructor Jim McLean
Jim McLean
James Yuill McLean is a Scottish former football player, manager and director. He managed Dundee United between 1971 and 1993, becoming the longest-serving and most successful manager in the club's history, winning three major honours. He was also part-time assistant manager to Jock Stein with the Scotland national team for four years, including at the 1982 World Cup.
Full Answer
What is a slot on a golf club?
Renowned golf instructor Jim McLean describes the slot as the ideal channel, or swing path, for the golf club on the way down to impact with the ball. The virtue of this path is that it follows an inside-to-out direction, helping to maintain the integrity of the clubface angle in relation to the target.
How to hit a slot golf ball in the slot?
Once you're in the slot, it's hard to go wrong. All you need to do is straighten your right elbow, finish your downswing, and hammer the ball toward the target. Sorry, the video player failed to load. (Error Code: 100013) North Carolina native Mike Southern has been writing since 1979.
How do I find the slot in my golf swing?
Teaching pro Jim Suttie suggests breaking your swing into segments to help you locate the slot. Make a backswing, holding the club at the top of the swing. From that point, drop the club down to waist level, making sure to keep your right elbow close to your side.
Do you have an inside-out or slot golf path?
Most avid amateur golfers know an inside-out path is preferred. Many are familiar with the “slot” concept as well. Yet few actually achieve this coveted position because, after reaching the top of the backswing, their first move down is with the shoulders and arms.
What does it feel like to drop into a slot?
Dropping into the slot feels as if you are just exhaling so you can relax for an instant – but only an instant.
How to turn your shoulder in golf?
Bend your right elbow toward your right shoulder. This will simultaneously cock your wrists and allow you to finish your shoulder turn. When you finish this part of your swing, your shoulders will have turned roughly 90 degrees from your address position, pointing the club shaft down the target line and parallel to the ground.
How to use a driver for golf?
Step 1. Address the ball normally. Everyone's setup is slightly different, but your feet should be about shoulder-width apart when using your driver and slightly narrower for the shorter clubs. Bend forward from your hips so your spine leans toward the ball and your knees are slightly flexed as if you were squatting to lift something.
What does it mean when your hips are turned to the right?
Your hips will be turned slightly to the right and your left knee pointing slightly behind the ball. You'll feel tension in your right knee as it resists your hip twist; this is what most golfers refer to as a "weight shift.".
What is a slot in golf?
Renowned golf instructor Jim McLean describes the slot as the ideal channel, or swing path, for the golf club on the way down to impact with the ball. The virtue of this path is that it follows an inside-to-out direction, helping to maintain the integrity of the clubface angle in relation to the target. Many amateur players do the opposite of this, ...
Why is the slot important?
The "slot" has to do with the optimal swing path on the downswing and helps a player make solid contact with the ball every time.
How to get the feeling of being in the slot?
Suttie suggests another drill to help you get the feeling of being in the slot. Grip your club, and stand about 18 inches from a wall with your back facing the wall. Go to the top of the backswing and gently rest the club on the wall. Swing the club down slowly, keeping the clubhead on the wall.
