In the game of golf, there are various types of shots that are attempted to achieve the respectively desired results. Each and every type of shot has certain physics involved in it – determining whether the intended shot has been rightly executed or not. The right or perfect execution of any shot has many factors that back it – from the player’s position, equipment’s alignment, to the type of conditions under which the game is played. If you are wondering how to grip a driver not to slice then read on!
We will discuss this in a much elaborative manner but our focus will remain on a shot called a slice. Also, the implementation of the shots is a result of how good the player is and how well the practice has been put into place. Coming to the slice shot, let us first know what exactly it is.
What is a Slice?
A slice is a curving shot that is generally an end result of a mishit but that does not mean that players do not play it intentionally. In the course of a slice shot, the flight of the ball attains a particular amount of curve in the air. The direction of a slice is different in case of a right-handed golfer from a left-handed golfer. Before going into the specifics of what causes a slice to happen and the tips to avoid it, let us know the difference of slice direction between the righty ones and the lefty ones.
How does the direction of the slice differ for the righty players than the left players?
If you are a right-handed golfer, your slice direction during the flight will be curved towards the right and as assumed, the left-handed players will have their slice direction in the left. Also known as a ‘banana ball’, the slice shot is almost like a fade shot – the only prominent difference between the two is the angle intensity. A fade shot is much less severe than the slice shot, meaning that a slice shot will result in producing a much larger curve than in the case of a fade shot.
We have now looked at what a slice is along with the result it produces. Let us know the important factors that lead a golfer to have a slice shot!
What leads to a Slice shot?
An open clubface! Yes, at the point of impact between the clubface and golf ball, if the position of the clubface is an opened one then it is ought to develop a slice shot. Now, this open position of the clubface may have its own set of reasons. Certain issues like an imperfect stance, unideal body position, instability, or a swing direction that is outside-in – can contribute to the production of a slice shot. If the severity of the above-mentioned mistakes is less, then it might happen that the shot is not completely a sliced one but only a fade shot.
A slice shot, or a fade shot, is usually experienced by the players who might have just started out and are regarded as beginners – having a high handicap. Having looked at the factors that lead to a slice shot, we must come across some tips to avoid it – in the very next section, we will have a glance at some of the proven techniques which make a golfer attain better command over the shots (in terms of speed, direction, and position) and can avoid the unwanted slice shot/fade shot.
How to improve upon the avoidance of a slice shot?
Golf and the shots that come under it have certain technicalities that are needed to be followed. As mainly we talk about the players that have high handicap value and are seeking to improve their golfing fundamentals, it is utmost advisable that these aspiring golfers work upon their basics, practice the shots to an extent that they reduce their chances of going wrong, and ultimately achieve the desired results – which also means that they will emerge as better players than before and have their golf handicap value improved.
Let us point out some of the recommended tips for the betterment of your shots and thereby decreasing the probability of a slice shot/fade shot.
Avoid clubface to be in an open position!
One of the most common mistakes done by the high handicap players is gripping the club in such a way that the face remains open at the point of impact with the golf ball. This remains a primary reason for all the golfers complaining about their shots producing a slice and not achieving the results they wanted.
Position of the top hand over the grip
In the previous point, we discussed the impact of the clubface’s open position, which is an important factor in your shot being a sliced one. But now, let us have a look at what causes your clubface to be opened! You guessed it right, the position of your top hand remains one of the keys in deciding whether your shot will produce a slice or not.
Ideally, the top hand’s position should not go down the center of the grip. Getting this right will help you attain the perfect steering and the clubface position at the impact with the golf ball will not be an open one.
Is your clubface squared enough?
The angle of the wrist joint plays a vital role in this one! Be sure to set your thumb on the grip’s back half – this would enable you to have a clear view of your second knuckle. Though this step may bring a change in the way you hold a grip, practicing this basic will give you an ideal driving force – enabling you to avoid the open position of the clubface and hence, the chances of producing a slice shot/fade shot would be lessened.
Initially, you might face issues while practicing the above-mentioned points of gripping. As these points remain very important in ensuring an ideal shot that is not sliced or faded, you must put these tips into execution while practicing. Once you correct your clubface’s position, then there is no looking back! You will attain the ideal clubface position which is much closer than before. Try this out and see your shots getting better than before.
We looked at some of the essentials in getting your clubface’s position at the impact with the golf ball. But a slice shot/faded shot is not always a mistake, some players tend to hit them intentionally. This too requires a befitting purpose depending upon the target you are seeking to achieve. In the next section, we will come across the same and look at the purposes for which players hit the slice shot – along with the tips to achieve the right kind of position for the same.
Intentional Slice Shot/Fade Shot
Generally, the slice shot is perceived to be happening out of mistake and a probable mishit; generally, the beginners or the players with high handicap value commit these kinds of mistakes. But do some players intentionally attempt a slice shot? Imagine any kind of obstruction on the straight path of the greens, like a tree. Is hitting a straight shot a good idea? Probably not because the required angle to avoid the obstruction is required for your golf ball to hit the target. So, to achieve this kind of a shot that requires a curve through the flight, players tend to rely on the slice shot.
Let’s see what goes behind a well-intended slice shot!
At the address, make sure your clubface has an open position!
When it comes to hitting a slice shot intentionally, the foremost requirement is the open position of your clubface at the impact with the golf ball. And how do you purposely achieve that? We have its answer in the next point!
Change the alignment of your body along with the stance
Aligning your body to the left of the target line while having an open stance will do the thing for you! This change in the position will ensure that your clubface’s position is much opened at the time of impact with the golf ball. Also, there is no need to change the way you swing and hit the golf ball.
Ensure a looser grip
We will consider this tip for the right-handers and the left-handers are advised to do the opposite to the point mentioned here. To have a much-weakened grip, turn your hands to the left on the club’s handle. Ensuring this type of grip along with the points mentioned above will enable you to hit a shot which brings an angle to the flight of your shot.
Conclusion
Throughout this information, we discussed various factors that might lead you to hit a slice shot. We also looked upon the tips and advice to avoid them by bettering some technicalities in your game. But in some instances, players do need the support of the slice shot – and we came across the steps to achieve that a well. Determine the shot you ideally want, practice well for it, and swing!