Fix A Slice And Hit A Golf Ball Straight Every Time

by: MickEuanTait
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Many golfers that are hooking or slicing the ball want to know how to hit a golf ball straight. Obviously this is the desired flight path that we are all looking to achieve as it gives you maximum distance. Also, when you can hit a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway, you have a much easier approach shot to the green.

What causes so many golfers the inability to hit a golf ball straight? The first thing to understand is why the golf ball moves to the left (a hook) or to the right (a slice) of the tee. Once you know how to fix a slice or a hook, you will then be in a position to learn how to hit a draw or a fade - which are basically just controlled versions of the hook and the slice but with less movement on the ball.

The following descriptions and instruction deals with the slice; for the hook everything is generally reversed. A slice is created by a significant tilt of the spin-axis of the golf ball to the right, or a clockwise spin. A slice usually ends up right of the target line, and the term is often used when the curve in the trajectory is extreme and unintentional. The less extreme version of a slice is called a "fade".

When you understand the basics of the golf swing you will know that you have to return to the original place at impact if you want to hit the ball squarely and straight. When the club face is open at the point of impact, a slice will occur and the ball will spin in a clockwise direction. Generally, the swing path is correct but the golf ball is not hit squarely at impact; this is normally caused by a "weak grip."

If you can not hit a golf ball straight, then the first thing to look at is your grip. It doesn't matter what type of grip you prefer (an interlocking grip, an overlapping grip, or a ten finger grip) the factor that can affect the balls flight path is the strength of the grip. If you want to fix a slice, try moving your hands around to the right into a stronger grip position.

Other factors that can cure a slice are the grip pressure; don't grip the club so tightly that the muscles of the wrist and forearms are tense. Try to increase the speed of your golf swing, not only will that add more distance it can also cut down on the amount of slice that you impart on the golf ball. The flex of the clubs shaft can also affect your shots; big hitters will need a stiff or extra stiff shaft, medium hitters should use a firm or regular flex, and shorter hitters should use a senior or ladies flex.

The address position has to be correct if you want to hit a golf ball straight. You should line up for your shot with your shoulders, hips, and feet all square and parallel to the target line. When teeing off with a driver, the correct ball position is opposite the instep of the left foot. Also, the sole of the club should be grounded and not tilting forwards (standing too close to the ball) or tilting backwards (standing too far from the ball.)

Remember all the swing basics that you were taught; feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly flexed, spine straight and chin up, and keep your eyes on the ball. There is no time for detailed golf swing instruction here but just try to keep your club on the same plane from your back swing to your downswing. Whatever you do, don't try to over hit the golf ball - maintain the same swing speed during your complete golf swing.

Lastly, there are an other two types of swing faults that will prevent you to hit a golf ball straight - the push and the pull. As opposed the slice, the push shot happens when the ball shoots straight off to the right, and the pull is when the ball goes straight off to the left. The push is a result of an incorrect golf swing when the club goes through an in-to-out plane, and the pull is an out-to-in swing plane. The push or pull shot comes about due to an improper golf swing action and forgetting the basics of the golf swing.

About the Author

At Mick Euan Tait's website you can find more tips on how to hit a golf ball straight and fix a slice.
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