Do You Slice Or Hook?

The 'slice' (shots to the right) and the 'hook' (shots to the left) are two common errant shots that all golfers encounter. Both of these shots can be caused by a combination of factors including: set-up, swing path, clubface angle and body movement. To ensure success in overcoming these problems, it's always recommended to book in with a coach to know exactly what issue is causing your mis-hits.

Now a very simple way of overcoming your problem is knowing what kind of position you're getting into at hip height after impact. The best way is to place your swing on video and observe but you could also do slow half swings and pause at hip height just after impact. If you're a 'slicer' of the ball, you will typically see the 'toe' of the club point to the right at this position. This is the same if you 'hook' the ball as you would see the 'toe' of the club point to the left at hip height.

Now the ideal position at hip height after impact is where the 'toe' of the club points to the sky. This means the clubface is correctly rotating through impact. If you're someone who is excessively hitting the ball in either direction, you could actually turn the clubface in the opposite direction at hip height. This means if you're a 'slicer', you could practice having the 'toe' of the club point to the left and if you're a 'hooker' of the ball, you could practice having the 'toe' of the club point to the right. When you practice the opposite direction you will soon feel the club returning to neutral and hence resulting in straighter shots.

In addition to having the 'toe' of the club point to the sky, you also want to have the body point at the target with all your weight moving onto your left foot. At hip height you also want to have the shaft positioned along your heel line. This ensures your path and body movement is moving correctly. Lastly just ensure that your hands are slightly in front of the clubface at impact. This will ensure solid contact.

If you have any further questions about how to fix your 'slice or 'hook' please contact myself at David Waters Golf located at Emerald Lakes Golf Coaching Centre.