How To Fix A Slice With A Driver (So Simple!)

Understanding the Cause of a Slice

A slice with the driver often stems from two primary issues: an over-the-top swing path and an open club face at impact. An over-the-top motion occurs when the club moves from outside to in during the downswing, cutting across the ball and imparting unwanted side spin. Paired with an open club face, this creates the classic banana-shaped shot that veers off target. The fix lies in correcting your swing path to a more neutral, inside-to-out motion and stabilizing your body positioning, particularly through your shoulders and lead arm. By addressing these fundamentals, you'll be on your way to straighter shots and even a powerful draw.

Breaking Down the Fix

1. Correcting the Over-the-Top Swing Path

The first step to fixing a slice is identifying and adjusting your swing path. An over-the-top move often happens when your upper body dominates the downswing, pulling the club outside the ideal line. To counter this, focus on initiating your downswing with your lower body while keeping the club head moving from inside to out. A great way to check this is by recording your swing on video and observing the club's position just before impact. If it's coming down from the outside, it's time to retrain that path for consistency.

2. Stabilizing the Lead Arm and Shoulders

A key contributor to slicing is early shoulder rotation, where your shoulders open too soon in the downswing, forcing the club into an over-the-top position. To prevent this, concentrate on keeping your lead arm stable throughout the swing. This helps maintain proper shoulder alignment and prevents the upper body from taking over. Your goal is to keep the shoulders closed longer, allowing the club to release naturally through impact.

3. Finishing High for a Neutral Path

Your follow-through tells the story of your swing. A high finish position, where the club handle points toward the target, promotes a neutral club path and reduces side spin on the ball. As you complete your swing, focus on extending your arms and rotating your body fully, ensuring the club finishes over your lead shoulder. This not only reinforces the correct path but also builds confidence in your improved mechanics.

Lead Arm Stability Drill

To help ingrain these concepts into your swing, try this effective drill designed to eliminate slicing by focusing on lead arm stability and proper shoulder movement. It's simple to set up and can be practiced anywhere, from your backyard to the driving range.

Setup
Find a flat space, with or without a club in hand. If you're near a wall, position yourself so that your lead shoulder is close to it, as this can provide feedback on your movement. Stand in your normal golf stance, ensuring your lead arm is extended straight out in front of you as if addressing the ball.

Execution
Begin by simulating your swing motion without rotating your shoulders too early. Keep your lead arm stable and straight as you bring your trail arm underneath it during the downswing motion. Maintain this stable lead arm position until you're halfway through your follow-through, then allow a full release. Repeat this slow-motion swing 10 to 15 times, focusing on the feel of your shoulders staying closed and your lead arm controlling the path.

Tips
Start without a club to isolate the motion and build muscle memory. If using a wall, ensure your lead shoulder doesn't drift away during the swing, as this mimics the over-the-top fault. Once comfortable, add a club and make small, controlled swings before progressing to full shots on the range. Pay attention to the feel of your lead arm guiding the swing, as this will translate to better control on the course.

Conclusion: Commit to Straighter Drives

Fixing a slice with your driver comes down to understanding your swing path and mastering your body positioning, particularly through your lead arm and shoulders. By correcting an over-the-top move, stabilizing your lead arm, and finishing high in your follow-through, you can eliminate that frustrating slice and start hitting straighter, more powerful drives. The Lead Arm Stability Drill is a fantastic starting point to build the right feel and reinforce these key mechanics. Take the time to practice this drill regularly, and watch as your consistency and confidence soar on the fairway. Get out there and start swinging with purpose.