What Is a Slice in Golf?

That rightward-curving ball flight, the one that sends your beautiful drive from the middle of the fairway into the trees on the right, is arguably the most common and confidence-draining shot in amateur golf. We’re talking about the slice. This article will show you exactly what a slice is, the simple physics that cause it, and - most importantly - provide you with clear, actionable steps and drills to finally turn that slice into a powerful, straight shot.

What Is a Golf Slice... Really?

First, let’s be clear about what we’re trying to fix. A slice is not just any shot that goes to the right (for a right-handed golfer). A slice is a shot that curves excessively from left to right during its flight. It usually starts left or straight of your target and then bends dramatically to the right, often ending up far from where you intended.

This is different from a “push,” which is a shot that starts right of the target and flies straight on that line without much curve. Understanding this distinction is the first step, because a slice is a specific ball-flight problem caused by a unique combination of clubface and swing path factors at impact.

The slice robs you of distance, accuracy, and confidence. It feels powerless because the spin you’re putting on the ball is all sideways motion, not forward momentum. But don't worry, it's a very fixable problem with a little understanding and the right approach.

The Simple Physics of Why You Slice

Golf ball flight can seem complicated, but it all comes down to two main things at the moment of impact: your club path and your clubface angle.

• Club Path: This is the direction your club is moving as it strikes the ball. For slicers, the path is almost always “out-to-in.” Imagine drawing a line from behind you, through the ball, and towards your target. An out-to-in path means your club starts outside that line and cuts across it, moving towards your body through impact.
• Clubface Angle: This is the direction the clubface is pointing at the moment of impact. The spin on the golf ball is primarily determined by where the face is pointing relative to your club path.

Here’s the recipe for a slice: a club path that is out-to-in combined with a clubface that is open to that path. Your club cuts across the ball from the outside while the face points to the right of that swing path. This imparts left-to-right sidespin - the slice spin - on the ball, causing it to curve a lot.

The 3 Major Causes of the Slice

Now that you know the impact conditions that create a slice, let’s look at the three most common setup and swing flaws that produce those conditions. It's likely that one, or a combination of these, is the root cause of your troublesome shot shape.

1. Your Grip is Too "Weak"

Don't take it personally - a "weak" grip isn't about hand strength. It’s about the position of your hands on the club. A weak grip is one where your hands are rotated too far to the left (target-side) on the handle. For a right-handed golfer, this usually means your left hand is too much "under" the grip, so you might only see one knuckle (or none) when you look down at address.

Why it causes a slice: A weak grip predisposes you to an open clubface. As you swing, your hands naturally want to return to a neutral or square position. If they start too far to the left, their natural return motion leaves the clubface open at impact. It becomes a real struggle to get the face squared up in time without some athletic, an inconsistent last-second manipulation.

2. Your Alignment Is Off

This sounds basic, but it’s a massive contributor for most slicers. After hitting a few slices in a row, what does the average golfer instinctively do? They aim farther and farther left to "play for the slice." You think you’re helping, but you’re actually making the problem much worse.

Why it causes a slice: When you aim your feet, hips, and shoulders to the left of your target, you essentially force an out-to-in swing path. From that open alignment, your brain knows the target is over to the right, so the only way to swing towards the target is to come "over the top" and across the ball from outside the line. You've now baked the very swing path that causes your slice right into your setup!

3. The Dreaded "Over-the-Top" Swing

This is the monster in the closet for every slicer. The "over-the-top" move is the classic out-to-in swing path in action. It happens during the transition from the backswing to the downswing. Instead of dropping the club ‘into the slot’ on an inside path, the golfer initiates the downswing with their shoulders and arms, throwing the clubhead outside the target line.

Why it causes a slice: This move puts the club on a steep, downward, chopping-like path. The club travels from out-to-in across the golf ball. Paired with the open face from a weak grip or poor rotation, this is the fatal combination we discussed earlier. It is fundamentally an inefficient, arm-dominant swing that lacks proper body rotation and sequencing, sacrificing power and control.

Actionable Drills to Fix Your Slice for Good

Okay, enough theory. Let’s get to work. Here are three simple drills, one for each of the main culprits. Go to the range and work on these one at a time. Start with slow, half swings to feel the correct movements before ramping up to full speed.

FIX #1: Build a Slicer-Proof Grip

Let's neutralize that grip. This will feel strange at first, but stick with it. Weird feels good when you're changing a bad habit.

1. Hold your 7-iron out in front of you so the clubface is perfectly square (the leading edge is vertical).
2. Place your left hand on the grip. Now, rotate your hand to the *right* until you can clearly see at least two full knuckles on your left hand when you look down. The "V" formed by your thumb and index finger should point towards your right shoulder. This is a neutral, or slightly strong, grip.
3. Now, add your right hand. The palm of your right hand should cover your left thumb. The "V" of your right thumb and index finger should also point towards your right shoulder.
4. Take a few practice swings to get used to the feeling. An immediate warning: You might hit some hooks at first. This is a good sign! It means the clubface is now closing. You're no longer slicing!

FIX #2: Master Alignment with Railroad Tracks

Let's ingrain perfect alignment so it becomes second nature and stops sabotaging your swing path.

1. Go to the range and pick a clear target in the distance (like a flag or a marker).
2. Place two alignment sticks (or two golf clubs) on the ground, parallel to each other, like railroad tracks.
3. One stick should be the "ball-to-target line." Aim it directly at your target. This is the track your club should travel on.
4. Place the second stick parallel to the first, a little inside of it. This is your "body line." Address the ball by placing your toes up against this inside stick.
5. Now your feet, hips, and shoulders are perfectly parallel to your target line. This neutral setup encourages an in-to-out or neutral swing path, not an out-to-in one. Hit balls making sure to maintain this parallel setup every single time.

FIX #3: Beat the Over-the-Top with a Headcover

This is a fantastic drill to give you a powerful visual and physical cue to stop coming over the top.

1. Tee a ball up (even with an iron, to begin with).
2. Take your driver headcover (or an empty water bottle, a small towel, etc.) and place it on the ground about a foot outside of your golf ball and slightly behind it.
3. The goal is simple: hit the golf ball without hitting the headcover.
4. If you swing over-the-top, you'll hit the headcover every time. To miss it, you will be forced to drop the club down on an inside path in the downswing. You’ll begin to feel your lower body starting the swing and your arms "dropping" behind you, shallowing the club. That is the feeling of coming from the inside - the antidote to the slice.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a slice requires understanding its cause - an open clubface relative to an out-to-in swing path - and then methodically working on drills that correct your grip, alignment, and swing plane. Be patient, start with slow motions, and celebrate the small wins, like when that slice turns into a gentle fade or even a small hook.

We know that getting rid of bad habits can be tough without the right feedback. We designed Caddie AI to be that instant, on-demand golf expert in your pocket. If you’re ever confused about a lie in the rough or want a second opinion on your strategy for a difficult hole, you can snap a photo for instant analysis and advice. Our app can also help you understand your shot patterns and give you the personalized feedback that turns guesswork into genuine improvement, so you can stop fixing the wrong things and focus on what will truly lower your scores.