Major slicing from my drivers- help needed!

[Paul Caligiuri]

Just played a round today and was hitting some seriously good shots from 100 yds in and also hitting my long irons better than normal. However, all 18 of my drives sliced badly, as did most of my hybrid shots from the fairway. By the 6th or 7th hole I was actually starting to aim 45 degrees left and still they would banana over to the right.

Before I pay someone money to evaluate this problem, can anyone suggest some things I could experiment with on the range in the next few days? I have literally never hooked a shot- about 90% of my drives are slices, 5% fairly straight and 5% shanks- so I suspect it may have something to do with address or swing plane.

[Sillybodkins]

Paul,

If I were you, I would seriously think of finding an offset driver, with a closed face - kind of like the Ping G10 offset model.

Then, I would go to the range, and hit shots with 1/2 a swing and 3/4 swing, just trying to make solid contact.  You might be surprised how far and straight you can hit an offset driver with good contact, and a swing that is not rushed, or hurried, or tried too hard.

May you learn from the experience.

[mr_divots]

Couple slice busters that a pro helped me with:

Posture: specifically, making sure the back shoulder stays "back." Your shoulders should essentially point down the target line and if that back shoulder starts creeping forward, you set yourself up for an out to in swing. Also, make sure you aren't "slumped over." Maintain the "C" shape to your lower back with your chest up.

Also, I was plain over-swinging and my hips were flailing out too quickly. To get me synched up, he gave me the swing thought "180." As in, feel like you're just trying to bunt your driver out there 180 yards. Getting it into my head that the ball would go plenty far enough even when I felt like I was swinging slowly really helped my mindset to not over-swing.

[Divot Dan]

You might be teeing it up too far back in your stance. As a result, the club face doesn't have time to square up to the ball and the shot goes bananas.

[Dave1]

The best way to get rid of a slice is to learn how to hit a draw, period.

Go to the driving range and practice hitting big hooks. Bring the club head way inside and let those hands go thru impact. It's going to take a lot of balls but, once you finally see that ball fly left your confidence will grow...


Holding on thru impact (wrists) to aim the ball usually ends up with a banana........


Good luck, you'll figure it out if you put in enough time at the driving range.......

[tedwood]

Slice is a fairly common problem. One of the best ways to combat this is to strengthen your grip. A slice is usually from an open club face and because your grip is weak. As one of the other members said practice a half swing, then a 3/4 and see how you do. You may need to start from the bottom and work your way up.