Slices and Blocks - Drills to Fight a Common Enemy

Q: My name is Paul, I am 16 years old and a 5 handicap. I am having trouble off the tee, I hit almost a block or just plain slice it. I seem to hit my irons pretty decently, but woods are terrible lately. I also have a very flat swing plane and would also like to know if you have any takeaway drills for me since I occasionally flick the club way open at takeaway.

The reply comes from Michael Lamanna, Director of Instruction at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Addressing the Slice, Block and Open Clubface:

A slice is caused by two simple factors: 1) an open club face at impact; 2) an out-to-in swing path.

A block to the right is typically caused by a swing path that is too shallow (flat) and a club face that is open to the target. Without seeing your swing I cannot be certain of your swing path, so I want you to check the following elements:

• Check your grip. The grip controls the club face. Make sure that the "V" formed by the thumb and forefinger on each hand point toward your trailing-side shoulder (right shoulder for the right hander). Make sure that your grip pressure is very light, as a tight grip keeps the face of the club open. (Editor's Note: Check Michael's three tips on grip in our Basics of Golf section.)

• Make practice swings in a mirror and stop your follow through halfway to the finish. Make sure that the toe of the club points up in this position and that your trailing-side hand (right hand for right handers) is released over the lead hand (released - not blocked).

The above two check points should help you eliminate the slice and possibly the block as well. To identify any swing path problems, I would examine the following:

• Make sure that the ball position is not too far back nor too far forward and that your alignment is square. Check this in a mirror and on the practice tee with clubs on the ground noting where you are aimed and where the ball is positioned in the stance.

• Check your divots. If you take too shallow of a divot that angles from inside to outside, or no divot at all, then you are coming into the ball too much from the inside (this is a very common problem for 5 handicappers). To get the club swinging steeper, practice side hill lies with the ball below your feet. This feeling will be one that you can use on the course.

• If you are making deep divots that angle to the inside, then your swing is too steep. To get the club swinging more shallow, practice shots on side hill lies with the ball above your feet.

• If you are concerned about your flat swing, stand with your backside 6 inches from an open wall. Make slow back swings without touching the wall. This drill helps get the club higher and will help give you the feel of the correct amount of vertical motion on the back swing.

Use the same theory that great players (and teachers) use: Focus on fundamentals and fix the club face first (first two bullet points above).

Video: How to correct a slice