You're Correct!

To be clear, lasting golf improvement doesnt come from using “band-aids.” Curing your slice for good means identifying the problems root and making the necessary swing changes to eradicate it. (Youll find links to helpful tips at the bottom of this article.)

But thats the ideal. Sometimes, you just need to stop the bleeding. Make it through the next (or current) round without quitting, then get to work on a permanent solution.

Heres what to do when you simply cant stop slicing:

• Address the ball in your usual manner, with feet and clubface square to the target line.
• Move your left (lead) foot six inches toward the target line, keeping the right foot in place.
• Check your clubface – it should remain pointed at your target.
• Make your normal swing.

Moving the left foot forward closes your stance, causing your hips and shoulders to point right of target. Even if you make an over-the-top swing (aka outside-to-in) from this position, the clubs path will be square or slightly inside-to-out relative to the target line. Your shots should fly relatively straight, and they might even draw a little.

If you still manage to slice the ball using this setup, youve got a severe over-the-top move. Shift the left foot another couple of inches out, then seek professional help at rounds end. The sooner, the better.

Now that youve got a quick fix for your slice, browse these links for a long-term solution:

• The Best Slice Correction Tip in Golf (video)
• Causes and Cures: Pull Slice (text)
• Causes and Cures: Push Slice (video)
• Women Golfers: The Slice and How to Cure It (video)
• Senior Golfers: Fix Your Slice with Full Shoulder Turn (video)

Golfers being a logical lot, they typically aim left after hitting a slice to the right. Unfortunately, this can make the problem worse. The clubhead now travels farther left of target, generating an even bigger banana ball.

A weak grip finds the hands rotated too far left on top of the club. This opens the clubface on the backswing and makes it difficult to release through impact. The slicers best bet is to strengthen his grip, turning the hands a little right on the handle.

Without explaining the technical details, the less loft a club has, the more prone it is to slicing. If youre using a driver with less than 10° loft, consider switching to a model with 10.5° or more. Your slice will subside and youll hit higher, longer drives.