The Golf Swinger Doctor

Updated: November 28, 2024

Stop Slicing Your Driver: Tips to Hit Straighter Drives

Slicing with the driver is a common frustration among golfers. A slice with your driver can reduce distance, accuracy, and overall consistency. Understanding why you slice and learning how to correct it can transform your game, making drives more enjoyable and productive. Below, we’ll cover practical tips to help you stop slicing your driver and start hitting straighter, more powerful shots off the tee.

Why Am I Slicing My Driver?

A slice happens when the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact, creating sidespin that causes the ball to curve right (for right-handed golfers). Common causes of slicing a driver include an improper grip, an outside-to-in swing path, or an open clubface. Let’s dive into how to correct these issues.

1. Fix Your Grip to Square the Clubface

A good grip is the foundation of a solid drive. Many golfers who slice tend to have a grip that leads to an open clubface. Here’s how to correct it:

• Use a Stronger Grip: Rotate your hands slightly to the right (for right-handers) on the club, so you can see two to three knuckles on your left hand. This stronger grip helps keep the clubface square or slightly closed at impact.
• Avoid Grip Pressure: Keep your grip firm yet relaxed. Overgripping can create tension, leading to an open clubface during the swing.

A strong, relaxed grip can help naturally square the clubface and significantly reduce slicing with your driver.

2. Adjust Your Swing Path to an Inside-Out Path

One of the most common causes of a slice is an outside-to-in swing path. This “over the top” motion puts sidespin on the ball. To correct this, focus on swinging from the inside:

• Start with the Takeaway: Begin your swing by bringing the clubhead back slightly inside the target line rather than straight back. This will set up a more natural inside-out path.
• Focus on the Drop: At the top of the backswing, feel the club “drop” down to the inside rather than swinging over the top. This move helps the clubhead approach the ball from inside the target line, creating a more direct path.
• Visualize an Inside Path: Picture your driver moving slightly to the right of your target after impact. Practicing this inside-out swing will encourage a slight draw, counteracting a slice.

3. Close the Clubface at Impact

An open clubface is the primary cause of slicing. Here’s how to practice keeping it square or slightly closed at impact:

• Rotate Your Hands Through Impact: Focus on rotating your forearms through impact to square or close the clubface. Imagine the back of your left hand facing your target as you make contact.
• Practice with a Neutral Clubface: Set up a few practice shots with the clubface slightly closed (pointed slightly left of the target). This practice can help you feel the difference and get used to a square or closed clubface at impact.

4. Adjust Your Stance and Ball Position

The right stance and ball position can greatly reduce your tendency to slice with a driver:

• Ball Position: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, aligned with the inside of your lead heel. This placement gives you more time to square the clubface before impact.
• Shoulder Alignment: Keep your shoulders square or slightly closed to the target line. Open shoulders encourage an outside-to-in swing, so make sure your alignment supports an inside path.
• Weight Shift: Shift your weight to your front foot during the downswing, which helps create an in-to-out path. A balanced weight shift helps reduce slicing and gives you more power in your drive.

5. Use Targeted Drills to Correct Your Driver Slice

Practicing with specific drills can reinforce the changes you need to stop slicing. Try these drills regularly to build consistency in your swing:

Inside Tee Drill

Set up two tees: one where you’d normally place the ball and a second one about 2 inches inside the target line. Practice swinging through so that your clubhead misses the inside tee, which encourages an in-to-out swing path.

Swing Path Drill

Use an alignment stick just outside the ball at an angle that matches your desired in-to-out path. Practice swinging so your club follows this line, avoiding the alignment stick, to reinforce a square or closed clubface at impact.

Slow-Motion Swing Drill

Take a few slow-motion swings, focusing on the feel of a closed clubface and an in-to-out path. This drill builds muscle memory, making it easier to repeat the correct movements at full speed.

6. Check Your Driver Specifications

Sometimes, equipment can affect your swing more than you realize. If you’ve tried various techniques but still slice your driver, check these factors:

• Shaft Flex: If your shaft is too stiff, it may be hard to square the clubface, especially if you have a slower swing speed. A more flexible shaft can promote better clubface control.
• Loft: A driver with more loft can help reduce slicing. Higher loft adds backspin, which stabilizes ball flight and reduces sidespin.
• Grip Size: Ensure your grip isn’t too large or small for your hands, as grip size affects your ability to release the club and close the face.

Final Thoughts on How to Stop Slicing Your Driver

Stopping a slice with your driver may take some time, but by adjusting your grip, swing path, stance, and practicing with targeted drills, you’ll be well on your way to hitting straighter drives. Consistent practice and patience are key to overcoming slicing. Before you know it, you’ll enjoy hitting powerful, straight drives that land where you intend, boosting both your confidence and performance.

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