How to Fix a Slice: a Complete, Practical Guide
by David Wixson, Professor at Keiser University College of Golf, PGA Master Professional
A slice is one of the most common and stubborn ball-flight problems in golf, and fixing it requires understanding what it is, why it happens, and how to retrain your swing mechanics and practice habits. A slice is not a mystery—it’s a predictable result of specific face-to-path errors, and with the right adjustments, any golfer can eliminate it.
What is a Slice?
A slice is a shot that curves sharply left-to-right for a right-handed golfer (right-to-left for a left-hander). It is different from a controlled fade because a slice:
- Curves excessively
- Loses significant distance
- Often ends in trouble (rough, trees, OB)
A slice occurs when the clubface is open relative to the swing path at impact, producing left-to-right “sidespin” (technically, Tilted Spin Axis).
What Causes a Slice
There is essentially only one reason the ball slices to the right for a right-handed golfer. The clubface is open relative to the direction of the club path. Here are five reasons that contribute to a slice:
Open Clubface at Impact (Face Open Relative to Path)
This is the #1 cause of a slice. Even a few degrees open creates significant “sidespin”.
Outside-to-Inside (Over-the-Top) Swing Path
Most slicers swing steeply from outside the target line, cutting across the ball. This glancing blow adds more slice spin.
Weak Grip
A grip rotated too far to the left (for right-handers) makes it difficult to square the face. Strengthening the grip helps reduce slice tendencies by promoting a more square/closed face.
Poor Setup and Alignment
Open shoulders, aiming too far left, or incorrect ball position all encourage an out-to-in path. Studies show 70% of slicers aim left, worsening the issue.
Early Upper-Body Rotation
Opening the shoulders too soon in the downswing forces the club over the top.
Swing Mechanics Adjustments to Fix a Slice
Here are some suggestions to get you back on track with reducing your slice:
Strengthen Your Grip
- Rotate your lead hand so you see 2–3 knuckles.
- Position your trail hand more under the club. This helps square the face naturally.
Fix Your Alignment
- Use an alignment stick parallel to your target line.
- Ensure shoulders, hips, and feet match the stick.
- Slightly lower your trail shoulder to encourage an inside-out path. This setup reduces slice-inducing out-to-in swings.
Improve Your Swing Path
The goal is to deliver the club from the inside.
Key feels include:
- Keep your back facing the target longer in transition.
- Let the club shallow by dropping your hands slightly before rotating.
- Shift pressure into your lead side before turning. These moves help eliminate the over-the-top motion.
Correct Ball Position
- Driver: just inside the lead heel
- Irons: near center ball too far forward encourages an open face and steep path. Proper placement improves face angle by up to 20%.
Release the Club Properly
Many slicers hold the face open through impact.
- Feel the toe rotating past the heel.
- Allow the forearms to cross naturally after impact. This produces a square or slightly closed face.
Practice Routine and Drills to Fix a Slice
Staggered Stance Drill
Set your trail foot back so the toes align with the lead heel. This promotes an inside-out path and prevents over-the-top moves.
Head-Cover Path Drill
Place a head cover just outside the ball. If you swing over the top, you’ll hit it. This trains the club to approach from the inside.
“Back to the Target” Transition Drill
Start your downswing by keeping your back facing the target a fraction longer. This delays shoulder rotation and shallows the club.
Alignment Stick Parallel Drill
Lay a stick on the ground toward your target. Hit 10 balls, ensuring your feet, hips, and shoulders match the stick. This reinforces proper alignment and reduces out-to-in path tendencies.
Grip-Strengthening Reps
Hit 20 balls with a slightly stronger grip. Observe how ball flight straightens as the face squares more easily. A proper grip alone can reduce slice tendencies by 30%.
A Sample 45-Minute Anti-Slice Practice Session
10 Minutes — Setup & Grip Work
- Strengthen grip
- Check alignment
- Adjust ball position
15 Minutes — Path Training
- 10 staggered-stance swings
- 10 head-cover drill swings
- 10 slow-motion inside-out swings
10 Minutes — Face Control
- Hit 10 balls focusing on releasing the club
- Use impact tape or foot spray to check center contact
10 Minutes — Simulated Holes
- Pick targets
- Hit driver → iron → wedge
- Focus on starting the ball left of target (for RH golfer) with a gentle draw or straight flight
Summary: The Blueprint to Fixing a Slice
The key contributors to the cause of the slice are an open face and outside-in path. Suggestions to mitigate these factors include:
- Strengthen your grip and fix alignment.
- Shallow your downswing and delay upper-body rotation.
- Train an inside-out path with targeted drills.
- Practice with structure, not random range sessions.
By dedicating time twice a week to complete your anti-slice practice session, you will soon find your golf ball flying down the middle of the fairway and your iron shots landing on the green instead of the bunkers.
