Slice Fix: Turn Your Hands Down

Expert players try to limit their hand action during the swing. They can square the clubface to the target mostly with body rotation. But that takes advanced skill and loads of practice. Many amateurs, meanwhile, struggle to make the contact they're looking for, and the ball routinely slices to the right. If this sounds like you, let your hands be active into impact to square the clubface.

The forearms, hands and club should be rotating in a counterclockwise motion as you swing down and through the ball. When you do this correctly, the right palm, back of the left hand and clubface will be facing down after impact (above, left). This rotation allows the face to turn over naturally, which helps prevent the dreaded slice. It's also a sign you've compressed the ball.

Practice this by hitting wedge shots and letting your left hand roll under your right. You'll soon notice this hand action makes those weak-right shots a thing of the past.

COURSE MANAGEMENT

Laying up to a certain part of the fairway--say, with your second shot on a par 5--should be fairly simple. But many times it isn't, because you take the result for granted. The next time you're laying up, try this: Picture a green with a flag in your lay-up zone, and focus on hitting that green with your shot.

LEADBETTER, a Golf Digest Teaching Professional, is based at ChampionsGate, near Orlando. He operates 26 golf academies worldwide.

Leadbetter's Favorite Cause: Sun Safetee Program