How to Use Alignment Sticks to Correct a Slice

A slice is one of the most frustrating and common problems in golf. It happens when the ball curves dramatically from left to right for right-handed golfers (or right to left for left-handed golfers). The good news? Alignment sticks are a simple and effective tool that can help you correct this swing fault. In this article, we’ll walk through how to use alignment sticks to fix a slice by improving your setup, swing path, and clubface control. [Click here to purchase alignment sticks on Amazon]

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Why Do Golfers Slice the Ball?

Before we dive into the drills, it’s important to understand the common causes of a slice:

1. Out-to-In Swing Path: A slice is typically caused by an out-to-in swing path (also called “coming over the top”), where the club cuts across the ball rather than swinging down the target line.
2. Open Clubface at Impact: If the clubface is open at impact, it can cause the ball to spin sideways, leading to a slice.
3. Poor Alignment: Improper alignment can make it difficult to swing on the correct path, increasing the likelihood of slicing the ball.

Alignment sticks can address all of these issues, helping you develop better habits for hitting straighter shots.

First, here is a detailed article with the Alignment Stick Drill that can be used to correct a slice.

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1. How to Set Up Alignment Sticks to Fix a Slice

The first step in correcting a slice is ensuring that your setup and alignment are correct. Here’s how to use alignment sticks to do this:

Steps:

1. Lay the First Stick for Target Line: Place one alignment stick on the ground, pointing directly at your target. This will serve as your target line.
2. Lay the Second Stick for Foot Line: Place a second stick parallel to the first one. This stick will represent your foot line, helping you ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned correctly with the target.
3. Check Your Clubface Alignment: Ensure that when you set up to the ball, the clubface is square to the target line (the first stick), not open or pointing to the right.

Many golfers unknowingly align their feet and body left of the target, which encourages an over-the-top swing. Using alignment sticks helps prevent this setup mistake.

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2. Swing Path Drill with Alignment Sticks

One of the most effective ways to correct a slice is to change your swing path from out-to-in to inside-out. Alignment sticks can help you visualize and train the proper swing path.

Steps for Swing Path Drill:

1. Set the First Stick Along the Target Line: As before, place one alignment stick on the ground along your target line.
2. Position a Second Stick Angled Outside Your Target Line: Lay another stick on the ground at a 45-degree angle outside the target line, creating a gate about two feet in front of you.
3. Practice Swinging Under the Gate: When you take your swing, focus on keeping your club inside the angled stick. This promotes an inside-out swing path, which helps eliminate the slice.

By training your body to follow the correct swing path, you can reduce the tendency to cut across the ball, a key contributor to slicing.

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3. Clubface Control Drill

Many golfers slice the ball because they don’t release the club properly, leaving the clubface open at impact. Using alignment sticks, you can work on squaring the clubface and releasing the club fully through the swing.

Steps for Clubface Drill:

1. Place the Stick Behind the Ball: Stick one alignment rod into the ground at a slight angle, about 2-3 feet behind the ball. This should be positioned slightly outside the target line.
2. Focus on Clubface Release: When you swing, focus on releasing the clubhead naturally, squaring the clubface at impact without hitting the alignment stick. If your clubface stays open, you’ll likely hit the stick, giving you immediate feedback.

This drill helps you understand the feel of a proper release, which is crucial for hitting straighter shots and correcting a slice.

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4. Ball Position Drill to Prevent a Slice

Ball position plays a critical role in shot direction. Many slicers position the ball too far forward in their stance, which can cause an out-to-in swing and an open clubface. Here’s how to use alignment sticks to check your ball position:

Steps:

1. Place the Stick on the Ground Along the Target Line: Use one alignment stick to establish your target line.
2. Check the Ball Position: Place the ball in line with the second alignment stick. For most clubs, the ball should be in the middle of your stance for irons and slightly forward for your driver.
3. Practice with Correct Ball Position: Set up with the correct ball position and practice your swing. Correct ball position helps you achieve the ideal swing path, reducing the chance of an open clubface at impact.

By ensuring proper ball position with alignment sticks, you’ll make it easier to swing on the correct plane and reduce your slice.

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5. Alignment Stick Drill for Correct Posture and Balance

A slice can also be caused by poor posture or balance during your swing. If you’re leaning back too much or not rotating properly, it can lead to an inconsistent strike and a sliced shot.

Steps for Posture and Balance Drill:

1. Place Two Sticks in a Line: Lay two alignment sticks on the ground, forming a straight line from your feet to the target.
2. Take Your Stance and Swing: Set up with your feet parallel to the alignment sticks, and focus on making a smooth, balanced swing without swaying off the line.
3. Watch Your Footwork: If you find yourself stepping off the sticks or losing balance, it indicates that you’re not rotating properly or shifting your weight incorrectly. Focus on rotating your hips and keeping your weight balanced to maintain a consistent swing path.

Proper posture and balance are key to achieving a consistent, on-plane swing that will help eliminate slicing.

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6. Tempo and Timing Drill Using Alignment Sticks

Many golfers slice the ball because they rush their downswing, leading to poor timing. The weighted alignment stick drill can help you focus on developing better tempo.

Steps for Tempo Drill:

1. Grip the Alignment Stick Like a Club: Use an alignment stick as you would a golf club.
2. Make Slow, Controlled Swings: Swing the stick, focusing on a smooth, even tempo. The goal is to make sure your backswing and downswing are equally timed, with no rushing.
3. Transfer to the Golf Club: Once you’ve developed the right tempo using the alignment stick, try making full swings with your club. Proper tempo will help you maintain control of the clubface and reduce slicing.

Improving your swing tempo is another important element in fixing a slice, as it allows you to maintain control and make solid contact.

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Conclusion: Use Alignment Sticks to Correct Your Slice

Slicing the ball can be incredibly frustrating, but alignment sticks offer a simple and effective way to improve your swing mechanics. By using alignment sticks to ensure proper alignment, practice an inside-out swing path, and improve clubface control, you’ll develop a more consistent and reliable swing. Incorporating drills with alignment sticks into your practice routine will help you correct the swing flaws that cause slicing and start hitting straighter shots.

With just a few adjustments and regular practice, you can eliminate the dreaded slice from your game, improve your accuracy, and enjoy lower scores on the course.

Purchase alignment sticks on Amazon here.

Find more general information about how to use alignment sticks here.

Read our article about how to fix a slice here.