If you have it, you know what it is, but you may not know how to fix it. After all if you knew, you wouldn't be reading this. There are two keys that will guide you through how to cure a slice in golf: understanding why it happens and doing drills to keep it from happening again.
Even though with a slice the ball curves right, it happens because your club is moving left, across your body. The head of the club is facing out, away from your body. This causes the ball to spin clockwise. This creates a low pressure system on the inside of the spin that pulls the ball to the right. Essentially it's easier for the ball to move through the air to the right, so that's where it goes.
This specific action can come about because of a couple of reasons. It's likely a combination of more than one. Put yourself in front of a mirror and watch your swing. Feel the way your body moves through the ball. Do it slowly so that you feel each movement. This isn't about flinging the ball two-hundred yards down the fairway, it's about awareness.
Are your hands too tight? Are they twisting the club? Are your arms moving in a flat plane? Watch the way the face of your club is pointing. Feel where your arms are moving and how your legs are moving. It's also extremely common for beginning golfers to swing too hard at the ball or to hack at it. Let the weight of the club and the length of your swing provide the power. Using too much power causes you to tense up and lose control.
Now that you've analyzed your swing take a look at these exercises and see which will help you out. Keep your mirror handy and pay attention to the feel of your swing. The slice is a problem that comes from poor feel for your swing. You aren't paying attention to your body's feedback. Work on each of these exercises at a slow speed.
First, relax your hands. You don't need to strangle the club. Remind yourself to relax your hands. Don't let the club start wobbling or getting sloppy, as looseness can be the problem for your average golfer. Feel the weight distribution, especially how the head is heavier than the shaft.
Now exaggerate your swing and head placement in the opposite direction from your current swing. Push the club out to the right and swivel the head in towards the left. Remember to swing slowly. If you're hitting a ball it should go to the left, but with a full swing you'd end up with a hook or a draw.
Drilling this opposing motion will help you to correct your slice and gain feel for your swing. Now you can address your power. You should not be pushing or pulling the club towards the ball. Let it fall naturally through its arch. Let your arms guide the club rather than swinging it at the ball.
Once your swing has improved don't forget these slow motion drills. Revisit them and they will continue to reward you. You will gain more control and better feel. It will do more than teach you how to cure a slice in golf, but also to be a better golfer.
