We’ve all been there.  You step up to the tee box with confidence.  You take a few practice swings, mostly for show, and set up to address the ball. You’ve worked hard on your game at the local range, and it’s all about to pay off with this one shot.  You rear back, taking dead aim at the ball, make contact, and then…it takes a sharp turn to the right and into the trees.  But don’t worry—you’re not alone.

The slice tends to plague golfers who are just starting to get into the game, but even the most experienced golfers will still hit the occasional errant shot to the right (that is if they are right-handed; a lefty will end up slicing their ball to the left).  Several factors can lead to this all-too-common mishit, but with the proper grip, setup, and downswing, you can avoid hitting a slice on your drive and find yourself back on the fairway in no time.

(Note: The following instructions are for right-handed golfers.  A left-handed golfer will use the opposite hand or the mirror image of instructions indicated below.)

The Grip

A slice can often be attributed to a poor grip.  Finger placement is key here.  To start, grip the club with your left hand.  Make sure the club is resting primarily on the last three fingers of your left hand.  Don’t let the club slip into your palm.  Grip the club firmly, and when you do so, you’ll notice that your thumb and index finger form a V-shape.  The point of this V should be aimed at your right shoulder.  With your right hand, you should grip the club using mostly your ring finger and middle finger.  Once again, your thumb and index finger will form a V-shape, and it too should be pointing toward your right shoulder.  Unlike the form used with other sports equipment, your grip shouldn’t be too tight.  You should hold the club firmly enough to maintain control, but not enough that you are squeezing down on it.

The Setup

Improper form at address can also lead to a slice.  Start by positioning yourself so that the ball is just inside your front foot.  This allows you to hit the ball on an upswing, as opposed to attacking the ball at a downward angle.  Hitting the ball at an upward angle allows you to square up the face of the club, resulting in a straighter, more powerful drive.  Another key is having good balance on your stance.  Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, and your knees should be bent so that they are just above the middle of your foot.  This should provide a nice base, and combined with a proper golf grip, give you the shoulder tilt you need for a good backswing.

The Downswing

Getting on a good inside-out swing path is key to giving the ball a straighter flight.  Many instructors will give you swing thoughts focusing on what your body should be doing during your downswing (e.g. swing the club back until your left shoulder is under your chin; bring your elbow down toward your right hip on the downswing.)  But it might be just as helpful to focus on what the club should be doing on a good swing axis.  If you think of a clock, with 12 o’clock being the target, your downswing should start at about 8 o’clock and end up around 2.  This will get your swing moving on an upward path just before you make contact with the ball.  When you do make contact, you should aim to have the centre of the clubface hit the inside back part of the ball.  This may seem counterintuitive, but it will help you rotate the toe of the club over the heel and avoid hitting the ball with an open clubface.