This simple anti-slice drill fixes your bad over-the-top habit

Ask 100 amateur golfers what their biggest problem is on the golf course, and I’d bet 90 percent would say it’s slicing the golf ball. But just because slicing is what most of us struggle with doesn’t mean we just have to “play the slice” each and every time we tee it up.

How often do you or your slicing buddies just aim as far left as possible (for a right-handed player), accepting the fact that you’re going to curve the shot back toward the fairway? Probably a lot.

Let’s face it, though, this is no way to go through a round of golf. At some point, you need to figure out how to fix a slice — which starts by squaring the clubface byway of a proper swing path.

The best way to do that? Sorry, but it’s not going to the driving range and beating a bunch of balls over and over. Instead, it’s using training aids that provide instant feedback while hitting shots.

So to help you fix a slice, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Andrew Rice shares one of his most popular drills — which corrects your over-the-top tendencies — all while using nothing more than a simple alignment rod. Take a look below to see how it works.

How to fix your slice

So why does a slice occur? While there are a few different reasons, the most common issue is an open clubface from an over-the-top swing path.

But Rice says that using the drill above will cure the problem, turning your slices into more of a natural draw.

“The most popular drill of the entire season is this one right here,” Rice says. “So if you struggle with coming over the top and you get that clubhead dumped out and you want to get out of that, do this.”

Next, Rice walks through how to practice this simple anti-slice drill.

“Put an alignment rod into the ground and point it straight to your target,” he explains. “I’ve got the tip of the alignment rod about a grip length up off the ground, and I’m going to tee a golf ball directly underneath the tip of that alignment rod.”

The image below shows how the drill should look.

After setting up the drill, Rice uses a 7-iron and addresses his ball. As he takes a swing, he’s able to get instant feedback — if he hits the alignment stick, he’s still coming over the top and (presumably) slicing the golf ball. But if he misses the alignment stick, his swing path is correct, he’s compressing the ball, and he’s producing a more natural draw.

“Draws are a byproduct of a face that’s closed to the path,” Rice says. “So we need to get that clubface stronger, which is primarily the reason why so many people come over the top.

“Let’s get the face strong and really get the clubhead approaching the ball nicely from underneath that rod,” he adds. “If we do, we’ll hit some lovely little shots that start to the right and draw back.”

So as you learn how to fix a slice, this simple drill is a great first step toward making progress. By intentionally practicing it, you’ll start building muscle memory in order to avoid many of your usual bad habits.

Rukket Sports Pathfinder Impact Mat™

$69.99

Are you looking for a golf training mat to help your golf game? The Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™ was designed with input from professional golfers and golf teachers to help players of all abilities improve their game. The strike mat tracks club face alignment and helps ensure clean contact with the ball while the foam pylons can be used to keep your swing on plane. Use all four pylons to practice hitting straighter shots or remove pylons to practice hitting draw or fade shots. It’s the most versatile golf swing practice mat available and works with every club in your bag!
Features

2-in-1 golf swing training mat combining the features of an impact mat / strike mat and a swing path trainer to help golfers quickly identify and correct common swing problems like hooks and slices.
It’s a golf swing impact / strike mat to help identify and correct club face alignment. Use the “velvet” turf to ensure you’re making clean contact with the ball.
It’s also a golf swing training aid to help with swing plane alignment. Use it to fix a slice or a hook, and to practice hitting draw and fade shots.

What’s in the Box

(1) Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™
(4) Foam Pylons
(1) Instruction Booklet

Product Specs
25in x 13in x 0.8in
RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!

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Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor