A slice happens when a right-handed player makes the ball sinning sideways, causing it to curve to the right. Lefties suffer the same fate, but the other way around. The sidespin to the right happens when the clubface opens about the path the club travels upon impact.
Full Answer
What is a slice in golf?
What Is A Golf Slice? A slice in golf is when the ball curves excessively to the right (right handed golfer) or to the left (left handed golfer). Note: For the rest of this guide I’m going to use right handed examples. If you’re left handed, then just reverse the instruction.
When do you hit a slice in golf?
If you are right-handed, you hit a slice whenever your golf shot bends far to the right. Similarly, you hit a slice when your golf shot bends far to the left if you are left-handed. These bent shots are common amongst people trying golf for the first time or are in the beginner stage.
Why do golfers put their left hand on the club?
“This has been going on as long as golf has been played,” Riggs said. “People will put their left hand on the club, and it feels like if they turn it a little more under, a little more to the left, that’ll help the clubface and the ball go left, but it really does the exact opposite.”
Why do I slice my golf ball?
There may be no greater power loss than a slice. The ball sometimes starts out ok and then makes this depressing curve, robbing you of all of your potential distance and power. You can fix that slice, but it starts with understanding what causes it in the first place… 1. Open club face The most common cause of a slice is an open club face.
What does it mean if you are right-handed and you slice the golf ball?
A "slice" is a type of golf shot in which the golf ball curves dramatically in flight from left to right (for a right-handed golfer). The slice can be played intentionally, but is usually the result of a mishit. Slices are the most common problem for recreational and high-handicap golfers.
How do you correct a right-handed golf slice?
1:054:30Golf Lessons - Fix your slice forever - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you're slicing the ball a couple things you want to check make sure that if anything your gripMoreSo if you're slicing the ball a couple things you want to check make sure that if anything your grip is a little too much to the right rather than anything else. We don't want it extreme.
Why do I slice the ball with my irons?
This visual challenge, called parallax, is caused by your eyes being to the side of the ball at address. Parallax makes slicers try to pull the ball to hit their target. But the more you swing left, the more likely the clubface will be open to that path at impact, which causes a slice.
Does a slice go right?
For a right-handed golfer, a slice goes left to right for one reason — because of an open club face. The shot loses distance as it curves left to right, instead of straight, and creates side spin.
Why do I slice my driver but not my irons?
The main reason that a driver will slice, but not the irons, is the length of the club. With a golf driver being longer than a golf iron, it is much harder to square the club face and release the club at the proper time. Golfers of all ability levels struggle with this concept.
Why does my driver slice right?
A slice shot is caused by a poor grip and setup, an outside-to-in downswing path and an open clubface. An outside-to-in path occurs when the golfer reaches too far on the downside, bringing the club down to the right of the ball (outside), relative to the target line.
What is the most common cause of a slice in golf?
The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. This open club face will give you contact that isn't square and often feels like a “side swipe.” The most common cause of an open club face is an incorrect grip as your hand position will directly reflect in the face.
How do I stop slicing the golf ball?
4:108:16How to: STOP slicing the golf ball | REALLY EASY TIPS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo picture this if i draw a line going straight towards my target which is pretty much over thatMoreSo picture this if i draw a line going straight towards my target which is pretty much over that bunker a slicer will come in from the outside of that line. And then swing to the inside of that. Line.
How do you cure a slice?
2:468:38HOW TO CURE SLICE SPIN (And Remember It In The Future)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's just hinging right here a hinge. And then it would hinge okay so i just do that a bunch ofMoreIt's just hinging right here a hinge. And then it would hinge okay so i just do that a bunch of times loosen up my wrists. All right then of course i apply it to the shot.
Is a slice left or right?
What is a Slice? A slice is the opposite of a hook. For a right-handed golfer, a slice begins to the left of the target and curves back to the right. Once again, the definition is the opposite for left-handed golfers.
What swing plane causes a slice?
Plane Is Too Flat Often, beginners have a swing plane that's too flat — when viewed from the side, their club shaft is far too horizontal (or like swinging a baseball bat). As they go through impact, they lack the strength and skill to close the clubface and they send the ball curving on a slice.
Can standing too close to the ball cause a slice?
Standing too close to the golf ball will result in a posture that's too upright, which could result in inconsistent shots and no control over the ball. Standing too close to the ball can result in slices and shanks, which are very common among average players.
How do you get rid of a slice in golf?
4:257:52Get Rid Of Golf Slice Hit The Ball Straight - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNot use your hands and arms to push it out like that. But really just get it to fall just likeMoreNot use your hands and arms to push it out like that. But really just get it to fall just like gravity let it fall at the start of the downswing.
What causes a slice off the tee?
The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. This open club face will give you contact that isn't square and often feels like a “side swipe.” The most common cause of an open club face is an incorrect grip as your hand position will directly reflect in the face.
How do I stop slicing my driver?
How To Fix Your Slice: 7 Simple Steps To Straight Golf ShotsDon't Aim Left.Position Your Golf Ball Properly in Your Setup.Take Note of Your Divots.Fix Your Grip.Keep Your Elbow Tucked During Your Backswing.Transfer Your Weight.Release the Club Prior to Impact.
How do I stop slicing?
5:108:16How to: STOP slicing the golf ball | REALLY EASY TIPS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou first to drop him behind. You before swinging towards the ball or the tee. And then swingingMoreYou first to drop him behind. You before swinging towards the ball or the tee. And then swinging more outwards.
What happens if you rush your swing?
If you rush your swing, your hands will likely get to the ball before you have done a full body turn. This will block the ball off to the righ and result in a slice. Decelerating through impact slows down the clubface into impact. This opens the clubface.
What happens when your left foot is too far back?
For example, if your left foot is too far back you will have an open stance that doesn't allow your shoulders to make complete rotation. During the downswing your hands will drop in towards your body.
What does it mean when a golfer slices his golf club?
Weak Grip, Death Grip. Many golfers' problems with a slice begin with the way they hold the golf club. - They might have a so-called "weak grip," which means that their thumbs are more at the top of the club; so, when they swing, they leave the club face open--which causes them to slice.
What happens when you downswing a golf ball?
During the downswing your hands will drop in towards your body. This opens the clubface and puts left to right spin on the ball for the right-handed player. If at your address your golf ball is too far forward, you are likely to never close your club face, which will lead to a slice.
What is a slice in golf?
What Causes a Slice in Golf? By Bill Herrfeldt. Right-handed golfers often have the tendency to hit the golf ball to the right--this is called a slice. Left-handers also slice the ball, but it will head to the left. In most cases, a slice occurs when you make impact with an open clubface with either a straight or outside-in swing path.
Where did Bill Herrfeldt graduate from?
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
What is a proper swing?
A proper swing will feature the clubhead controlled all the way to the point of impact. Any type of lunging or radical motion can cause a slice, as players often overcompensate to hit a quality swing. To keep steady, the club shaft, clubhead and hands should reside directly above the stance line defined by a golfer's feet.
What does a bad slice mean in golf?
Occasionally, a golfer with a bad slice will simply aim their body left (right for left-handed golfers), so that a slice actually ends up in the fairway or on the green.
What is the chicken wing in golf?
This is called the chicken wing, and it can lead to a wicked slice. Rather, keep the left elbow (right elbow for left-handed golfers) pinned to the body to help keep the swing straight and, therefore, the ball straight as well off the tee or fairway.
What causes a slice in golf?
A weak grip, one that is turned counter-clockwise (clockwise for left-handed players) can cause the clubface to open when the ball is struck, which can cause a slice. To avoid this, try turning the grip a bit to the right (left for left-handed golfers), which will help strengthen the grip. This does not mean to hold the club more strongly, as doing so can also cause a slice.
What is the bane of golf?
Among the foremost bane of many golfers is the unwanted golf slice. A slice can be caused by many things, but always results in the shot veering hard right (for right-handed golfers) or left (for left-handed players). It makes staying on the fairway difficult and can lead to major problems off the tee box. Fortunately, there are ways ...
What are the challenges of golf?
One of the great challenges when studying golf is knowing when information is correct for you. The foot positions that are great for the the tour players, might not be appropriate for anyone with flexibility limitations. A square back foot and a flared forward foot will affect the swing path and produce a slice for many golfers who have limitations.
What is the purpose of a square face golf club?
One of the great stabilizers of a square club face is to keep your underarms relatively close to your body throughout your golf swing. If on your backswing or your downswing your underarms move away from your body, it is very easy to open the face.
How to rotate back on a golf swing?
If you slice the ball try the opposite. Flare your back foot and square your forward foot. This will help increase your ability to rotate back and also slow your body rotation down on your forward swing, both helping with path and sequencing of body and arms. 1. Open club face 2. Thumbs too on-top of the grip 3.
Why do I slice my golf club?
1. Open club face. The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. This open club face will give you contact that isn’t square and often feels like a “side swipe.”. The most common cause of an open club face is an incorrect grip as your hand position will directly reflect in the face. You can make this adjustment by turning one of both ...
What happens if you move your ball too far back?
Ball position that is too far back can cause a slice and/or a pop up. As your move your ball more forward it is also important that you allow your shoulders to tilt back and away from the target. Your lead shoulder should get higher and your back shoulder lower.
How does width affect golf swing?
If the lead arm stays too stiff for too long on your forward swing, this will not only hold the club face open and making the ball s lice, but also delays the release of the club face and the speed associated.
Why do I keep slicing the golf ball?
There may be no greater power loss than a slice. The ball sometimes starts out ok and then makes this depressing curve, robbing you of all of your potential distance and power.
What Does Slicing in Golf Mean?
Slicing is a common issue amongst most golfers. However, hitting the wrong shots during a game can turn out to be annoying. If you are right-handed, you hit a slice whenever your golf shot bends far to the right. Similarly, you hit a slice when your golf shot bends far to the left if you are left-handed.
Why Does Slicing Happen in Golf?
If you are concerned about why your shots are bending to the far right or left, here are eight reasons why slicing happens in golf:
How to Fix a Slice in Golf?
Now you know why and what causes a slice in golf. Your next big question may be what to do about it. Here are six tips on how to fix slicing issues in golf.
What Causes the Slice in Golf – Final Thoughts
The answer to “What causes a slice in golf?” is pretty straightforward. Weak handgrip and posture are some of the reasons why most golfers fall victim to golf slices. Of course, you can’t become a master without passing through the learning phase.
How to swing a golf club from your lead thigh to your trail high?
Focus on the journey of the club handle. You want to swing the handle from your lead thigh back to your trail high, at which point the club shaft should be parallel to the ground. Before the handle reaches your trail thigh, the logo on your golf glove should point down at the golf ball.
What is a slice in golf?
For a right-handed golfer, a slice is a golf shot that curves dramatically toward the right. A slice is never controlled and never intentional. It takes you off course and adds strokes to your game. Trust us. You enjoy a round much more when you learn how to fix a slice in golf.
What are the most common mistakes that slicers make?
One of the most common mistakes we see among slicers is their setup . Interestingly, problems in the setup often occur as an instinctual effort to fix the golf slice. Golfers see their ball veering to the right, so they make subconscious changes to aim more to the left.
What is the shape of a golf swing?
Your golf swing travels in a circle shape. This circle is vertical, but it’s not straight up and down. If your swing shape is a hula hoop, it’s a hula hoop that leans in toward your body just a bit. Because of this lean, the direction of your swing path changes after you hit the low point.
How far does a golf ball curve when hitting a fade?
When you hit a fade, the golf ball curves only about 5-7 yards from the target line. When you slice it, the golf ball curves farther . . . around 15 yards to the right of the target line. If your ball flight resembles a peeling banana, you’re dealing with a slice.
What is a draw and fade?
Think of a draw and a fade. A draw curves gently to the left (if you’re right-handed). A fade curves slightly to the right. Both of these are controlled golf shots that can help you navigate the course better because they curve. A slice, on the other hand, is always a hindrance.
How to get a square face in golf?
Place an object—a tee, a towel, anything—just to the right of your target path. Take your golf shot. Finish with the butt end of your club pointed at the object you set out. This drill teaches you how to release the club at the right time to deliver a square club face.
Technique 1: Perfecting the grip
Before hitting the ball, make sure your stance is square and not open. This means that your hips, arms, shoulders, and feet should be aligned left of the target line.
Technique 3: Control the club face as you follow through the shot
Many slicers tend to open the club face as they follow through the shot. As they do this, their arms get farther away from each other which leads to the opening up of the club face.
Technique 4: Modifying your path into the golf ball
A slice often occurs when a player hits across the golf ball, swinging the club almost diagonally towards the left.
Technique 5: Change where you strike the club face
The most common cause of slicing the golf ball is when players hit the ball with the heel side of the club. It may be due to their personal playing styles or the fact that the heel is the part closest to the golf club’s shaft.
Conclusion
A golf slice is one the scariest nightmares for golfers and often leads to time wasting and losing a game, with a slight pinch of humiliation and embarrassment.
Why is my slice worse with my driver?
Riggs said that you may notice your slice might be worse with your driver because you are swinging with more speed and less loft. The same swing mistakes are probably happening with every club — driver just accentuates the error. If you are struggling with a slice, you can take solace in knowing you are not alone.
How to get your hands in a better position?
“That seam should run down the top of the handle or grip.