Are you having trouble with slices, pull-cuts, or just straight leaving the ball to the right of your intended target? If so, let’s take a look at your alignments and how you set up to the ball.
The majority of amateurs that come to me for help with their game line themselves up too far to the right. When your alignment is setup too far to the right, your natural tendency is to correct this mistake by manipulating your swing path on the downswing by coming over the top and holding off through impact. This will create a left to right shot along with a strong side spin that will move the ball even further to the right. More than most of the time, all that is needed to correct these types of shots is an alignment check.
Aligned too far to the left.
Aligned too far to the right.
During your next practice session, take two sticks, and line one of them up just left of the target on a parallel line to your target and the other stick should be lined up left of your target also on a parallel line to your target. If you don’t have any sticks, use a towel and place it between the ball and your feet or you can use two clubs. The first stick will help you in lining up your club face to the target properly and the second will help you align your feet up square to your target. Most amateurs will make the mistake in lining their feet up at the target and then as they address the ball their stance is actually closed. Your subconscious mind is going to correct that mistake by coming over the top, swinging left and holding off on the follow through to help it to get back on line which it actually gives you your slice. Since your setup is closed and your body is naturally trying to correct itself, you have now created a bad habit. So, bring yourself back to a basic fundamental concept and check your alignment. It’s okay if you setup with a slightly open position with your stance, because this will help you clear your hips and body through the ball. Take your new square alignment and practice. You will probably feel like you are in a bad position that feels uncomfortable. Trust it, step back and look at your alignment sticks and trust that you are lined up at your target correctly. You may have to force yourself to hit the ball more from the inside on your downswing and down the line through the ball.
Aligned correctly to the target.
Keep this in mind: if your setup is poor and in a closed position, your body is trying to correct this mistake which is taking away energy and efficiency in your golf swing. Hopefully with a proper alignment, you can retrain your body to turn through the ball correctly, eliminate that dreaded slice, pick up distance and accuracy, and produce a more efficient golf swing.
