The Best Drill Fix a Slice

Are you battling inconsistent shots, ugly slices, and a weak ball flight? If your club path is moving from out to in during your swing, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with the infamous “over-the-top” move. In this post, we’ll break down why this swing pattern leads to poor ball striking and show you a simple drill using the Tour Aim Base Plate that can help you correct it. The result? Straighter, more powerful shots with a beautiful baby draw.

The Problem with an Over-the-Top Swing

One of the most common swing faults among amateur golfers is coming over the top during the downswing. This typically looks like the club traveling too steeply from outside the target line, cutting across the ball, and producing a weak fade or slice.

What’s happening here? As you transition from backswing to downswing, the upper body often rotates aggressively, causing the handle and clubhead to move outward toward the ball. This creates a steep shaft angle and a club path that moves across the target line — from out to in. The result is glancing contact, less power, and a frustrating lack of consistency.

Understanding the Ideal Swing Plane

To fix this, you need a visual and physical reference for the correct club path — and that’s where the Tour Aim Base Plate comes in.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Place a golf club on the ground directly behind your ball to give yourself a visual reference.
• Insert an alignment rod into the 8-iron slot of the Tour Aim Base Plate so it points directly at your target line.

This setup gives you a clear representation of the ideal swing plane.

If you're swinging over the top, your backswing will usually pass underneath the rod, and your downswing will go steeply over it — the exact opposite of what you want.

Reversing the Pattern: Above and Under

To correct this motion, you need to feel the opposite sequence — a motion that’s "above and under" rather than "under and over."

Start by making small, slow swings with no ball:

• Take the club slightly above the alignment stick during your takeaway.
• Then, in the downswing, feel the club working under the stick as you brush the ground.

Tip: Striking the ground early at first is completely normal. This just means you’re adjusting to the new motion. With a few more reps, your contact will improve.

Drill: Above and Under Rehearsal

Setup:

• Tour Aim Base Plate placed about a club length behind the golf ball.
• Alignment rod in the 8-iron slot.

Execution:

• Begin with slow practice swings — no ball.
• Focus on the "above and under" feeling, brushing the ground. 
• Once you feel confident, add a golf ball and chip a few short shots with your 8-iron. 
• Watch for a straight ball flight or a small draw — a sign you’re on the right path.

Tip: If your club strikes the alignment rod during the drill, slow down and rehearse again. That means you're still reverting to the over-the-top move.

Building Confidence Before Full Swings

After you’ve hit five small, clean shots without contacting the alignment rod, you’re ready to move on to fuller swings. But always:

• Start with a dry rehearsal.
• Groove in the feel. 
• Then step up and commit to the shot.

The result? A straighter ball flight with a soft draw — something that’s almost impossible with an over-the-top swing.

Conclusion

If you're tired of slicing the ball and struggling with inconsistent contact, it’s time to take a close look at your swing path. By using the Tour Aim Base Plate and practicing the "above and under" motion, you can retrain your body to deliver the club on a better plane. Commit to the drill, start slow, and let the new swing pattern take hold.

Before you know it, you'll be hitting crisp, powerful shots that fly straight — or even draw slightly — down the fairway.