Golf Technique: Correcting The Slice
By Kerry Graylor
One of the most problematic aspects of golf technique for many amateur golfers is the swing, and the most common swing mistake is to slice the ball, creating a side spin that takes the ball seriously off the intended line of the shot.
It can be a very difficult error to correct. It is possible to buy golf accessories that claim to train you out of the slice but it is hard to improve until you see where you are going wrong.
The University of Southern Carolina has carried out a study which identifies some specific swing drills that can cure a poor swing in many cases. These drills separate the swing into several sections which can each be practiced separately at first so that the body learns the right action for each part before putting them all together. This makes it easier for the brain to learn to co-ordinate all the actions in the right way.
Most golfers will have difficulty with one part in particular and they can work on this part alone until they are ready to reintroduce it into their swing. One drill that was discovered to be very effective is known as the 'toe-in drill'. This relates to the position of the golfer's body during the swing. Another drill, called the 'split hand', enables a golfer to feel the swing path of the club and its correct release.
The swing path can be seen and corrected by doing this drill in front of a mirror, especially if your swing is from outside in. Position yourself as if you were about to drive a ball through the mirror, and take a very slow swing. Stop half way into the follow-through. Are you able to see your nose? You should not be able to, the club head should be covering it, as you view it in the mirror.
Next, try a drill which involves keeping your head up. As you swing, watch the blur of the club going through your eyes in the mirror. This should happen on both the swing and the follow-through. If not, alter your swing until it does.
It is also very helpful to work on your general flexibility, especially in your back, hips, shoulders and limbs. Any stiffness in those areas will impact on your swing and many other aspects of your game. Ask a coach for exercises that may help you loosen up, but do them gently at first so as not to strain your tendons.
Most problems with the swing could have been avoided if we would have had good tuition from a professional coach when we started out. But most golfers start playing in a very casual way with family and friends and develop bad habits before they ever get interested enough in the game to think of taking lessons in golf technique.
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