The Towel Drill: How to Use It to Reduce a Slice in Your Golf Swing

Slicing the golf ball is one of the most common problems golfers face. A slice occurs when the clubface is open at impact, causing the ball to curve dramatically to the right (for right-handed golfers) or to the left (for left-handed golfers). One of the simplest and most effective drills to help correct this issue is the towel drill. This drill helps you improve your swing path and maintain body connection, both of which are crucial for reducing a slice.

Here is a video which will properly show you how to do it properly, as it is easy to misunderstand and do it wrong:

Why the Towel Drill Works

The towel drill is effective because it encourages proper body mechanics and swing mechanics. By keeping a towel under your arms, you ensure that your arms and body work together, preventing the common mistakes that lead to a slice, such as excessive lateral movement or an outside-to-in swing path.

How to Do the Towel Drill Properly

Follow these steps to perform the towel drill and start reducing your slice:

1. Set Up the Towel:
   • Take a standard bath towel and fold it lengthwise.
   • Place the towel under both arms, pinning it against your body. Your arms should be comfortably against your sides without tension.
2. Address the Ball:
   • Set up to the ball with your normal stance, ensuring your body is aligned parallel to the target line.
   • Make sure the towel stays in place as you prepare to swing.
3. Focus on Connection:
   • The goal of this drill is to keep the towel in place throughout your swing. This helps ensure that your arms and body are moving in unison, promoting a more efficient swing.
   • As you start your backswing, rotate your shoulders while keeping the towel secure.
4. Swing Through:
   • On the downswing, focus on maintaining the connection between your arms and body. Avoid any excessive movement that could dislodge the towel.
   • Aim to swing through the ball with an inside-to-out path, leading to a more controlled ball flight.
5. Practice for Consistency:
   • Start with slow, deliberate swings to get a feel for the connection. Gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence and consistency.
   • Repeat this drill regularly to reinforce proper swing mechanics and reduce the likelihood of returning to an outside-to-in path.

Why the Towel Drill is Effective for Fixing a Slice

1. Maintains Body Connection: Keeping the towel in place helps ensure that your arms and body work together. This connection is vital for producing a square clubface at impact, reducing the chances of slicing.
2. Encourages a Proper Swing Path: The towel drill discourages the outside-to-in swing path that often causes slices. By focusing on maintaining connection, you’re more likely to swing from the inside out.
3. Promotes Smooth Rotation: The drill emphasizes coordinated movement between your upper and lower body, preventing disjointed motions that can lead to slices. A fluid motion helps produce more consistent shots.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Letting the Towel Fall: If the towel drops during your swing, it may indicate that your arms are moving independently of your body. Focus on maintaining the connection to improve your swing.
• Rushing the Drill: Take your time to ensure proper form. Rushing through the swing can lead to poor mechanics.
• Not Completing the Swing: Make sure you finish your swing fully. A complete follow-through encourages a more controlled path and helps solidify the mechanics you’re working on.

Conclusion

The towel drill is a simple yet powerful tool for golfers looking to correct their slice and hit straighter, more accurate shots. By maintaining body connection and encouraging the right swing path, this drill promotes a more consistent and reliable golf swing. Incorporate the towel drill into your practice routine, and you’ll likely see improvement in your ability to reduce or even eliminate that frustrating slice.

Click here for more information about how to help your slice.