Instruction

Fast Fixes For Every Fault: Slice

February 21, 2013
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If you frequently slice and you've seen yourself on video, you've probably noticed how awkward your swing looks shortly after impact (above, left). This look is known as the "chicken wing," and it's created when your left arm bends--instead of staying straight--through impact. Bending the left arm causes the club to slow down and cut across the ball, resulting in a slice. In most cases, this fault sequence is the result of gripping the club too tightly and trying to hit at the ball rather than allowing it to get in the way of a free-flowing swing.

To cure your slice, grip your 7-iron with both little fingers extended, as if you were sipping from a teacup (above, right). You should immediately feel a lack of tension in your grip and a better sense for the weight of the clubhead. Now make three-quarter-length practice swings, and allow the club to release freely through impact, encouraging the arms to achieve full extension and rotation as the wrists fully rehinge.

You can hit balls off a tee with this grip drill as part of your warm-up or practice routine, and you can incorporate it into your practice swings on the course. Your ultimate goal is to keep the same tension-free feel when you go back to your normal grip.

DAVID LEADBETTER is ranked No. 4 on Golf Digest's list of the 50 Best Teachers in America. His golf academy is headquartered at ChampionsGate in Florida.