How to Use the Alignment Stick Drill to Correct a Slice

I found this video on YouTube and found it particularly helpful for the use of alignment sticks to correct a slice:

Slicing the ball is one of the most common issues for golfers, especially beginners. The primary cause of a slice is an “out-to-in” swing path combined with an open clubface at impact. Fortunately, there’s an effective drill using alignment sticks that can help you correct your slice by focusing on your club path and face angle.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the alignment stick drill to fix a slice.

What Causes a Slice?

A slice occurs when the club moves from an out-to-in path and the clubface is open to that path at impact. In simpler terms, the club travels across the ball rather than squarely hitting it, creating sidespin that makes the ball curve to the right (for right-handed golfers).

There are two main swing flaws contributing to a slice:

Club Path: In a slice, the club swings too far from the outside, cutting across the ball.
Clubface Angle: The clubface is open relative to the swing path, leading to a weak shot with left-to-right spin.

To fix the slice, it’s essential to first focus on correcting the swing path and then address the clubface angle.

The Alignment Stick Drill

Setup:

Position the Stick:
- Lay an alignment stick on the ground along your target line, with the golf ball at the end of the stick.
- Insert another alignment stick into the ground at an angle, so it is standing slightly in front of you. The stick should be positioned at about the height of the middle of the club shaft during your downswing. This creates a barrier for the club to prevent an over-the-top swing, forcing you to swing more in-to-out.
Practice Swing:
- Start with slow practice swings, focusing on swinging under the alignment stick. This helps correct the path, preventing you from swinging over the top.
- Pay attention to the clubface as well. A proper swing path is important, but the clubface needs to be squared to avoid leaving it open at impact.
Feel the Motion:
- The goal is to swing in a way that your club moves inside the alignment stick without hitting it, creating a natural in-to-out path.
- Practice making smooth, controlled swings while keeping the club on this corrected path.

Why This Drill Works:

The alignment stick serves as a visual and physical guide to prevent you from making the classic over-the-top motion. It forces you to swing more from the inside, promoting a straighter ball flight or even a draw.

Steps to Maximize Results:

Start Slow: Begin with practice swings at a slower pace, emphasizing the proper swing path. There’s no need to rush into hitting balls.
Repetitions: Make five slow practice swings under the alignment stick without hitting a ball. Then hit one ball, focusing only on your target, not mechanics. Repeat this cycle to build muscle memory.
Brush the Grass: During practice swings, make sure you’re making solid contact with the ground by brushing the grass. This reinforces good contact and helps you develop awareness of your club’s position.

Common Mistakes and Adjustments:

Clubface Awareness:
- If you manage to swing under the stick but the ball still slices, your clubface is likely open at impact. To correct this, focus on your wrist position during the downswing.
- Try bowing your lead wrist or feeling like you are “waving” the palm of your trail hand back towards your target during the downswing. This encourages a square or slightly closed clubface.
Driver Adjustments:
- The same drill works with a driver, but the swing speed is much faster, and there’s more room for error. Start with irons to build confidence, then gradually work up to longer clubs like hybrids and drivers.

Conclusion

The alignment stick drill is a simple yet powerful method to help you correct a slice. By forcing you to swing from the inside and paying attention to your clubface, you can quickly start seeing straighter shots. Start with irons, build consistency, and then apply the same principles to your driver. With regular practice, this drill will help you eliminate your slice and improve your ball flight.