Among new golfers and high-handicap golfers, one of the most common frustrations is dealing with a slice. When you’re a leftie, a slice or “banana ball” curves your ball to left, whereas when you’re right-handed, it curves to the right. Depending on whether you’re right-handed or you’re a southpaw, your slice can look a little different, but ultimately, the causes are the same.
In this post from Burl Oaks Golf Club in Minnetrista, we’re breaking down some helpful tips to help you correct your golf slice and play your best game. To work on your slice at our practice facilities, sign up for a golf club membership today!
What Causes a Slice, Anyway?
The opposite of a hook, a slice can take a few different forms, and none of them are good for your golf score. Ultimately, the problem is due to an open clubface impacting your ball. A slice can be traced back to problems with your setup or swing that lead to the ball swiping across the face, causing it to spin in a slice. Understand what’s going wrong in the process is the first step to getting your swing under control.
What typically happens to cause a slice is that during your downswing, your club ends up further away from your ball than it needs to be, which causes golfers to overcompensate. When the open club face hits your ball, this can cause your ball to spin and slice to one direction, killing your accuracy and distance.
Use these tips to improve your swing and stop the slice:
1. Use a soft but firm grip
A grip that’s too weak can sabotage your swing and lead to a slice. On the other hand, when your grip is too strong, it can lead to trouble for your swing. Keep your palms parallel with one another and turn your thumbs away from the target with a firm grip for best results. If you’re having trouble, consider using a specialized grip trainer.
2. Position your ball carefully.
Since your stance and ball position are a big part of the setup that leads to a slice, be more mindful of this when setting up your swing. Make sure your ball isn’t positioned where you’ll have to reach further. Wherever you normally place it, move it back just slightly to where it’s inside your left heel.
3. Tuck in your elbow.
Pay attention to your elbow position during your backswing. If it moves out away from your body, this will affect your downswing catastrophically and end up putting a spin on the ball. Pull your elbow in as much as possible during your backswing to correct this problem.
Work on Your Swing at Burl Oaks Golf Club
Still having trouble with your slice? Try spending more time at our practice facilities or investing in golf lessons. To sign up, call Burl Oaks Golf Club at 952-472-7017 or contact us online today.