Cures For Your Slice by Chris Ross

Many people come to me seeking ways to help cure their slice. For many, slicing the ball is a result of physical limitation and is not something easily overcome without fixing the physical aspects that are ultimately responsible. There are many limitations that contribute to an “over the top” swing plane or slice, which is perhaps the most common swing fault among high-handicap golfers. This outside to inside swing plane occurs in the downswing due to overactive upper body or arms. As a result, the club will be thrown or cast to the outside of the intended swing plane, with the club head approaching the ball from outside to inside. This results in a pull if the clubface is square or a slice if the club face is open. Often, in order to prevent the club from coming over the top during the golf swing, some physical limitations must be addressed.


Proper sequencing is the one of the most important aspects of starting the club on the proper plane, and an essential area for golf fitness professionals to analyze when trying to eliminate swing faults. It is vital to develop a proper weight shift from your back foot to your front in order to start the downswing in the proper sequence. Without this initiation of the lower body and hips a player can easily dominate the downswing with an upper body or arm throw from the top, resulting in the over-the-top swing plane. A proper weight shift requires several physical factors, including a strong and flexible left side, good balance, sufficient flexibility, a strong core, coordination, and the ability to separate the lower body from the upper body.


Lack of mobility or flexibility in the shoulders, thoracic spine, and latissimus dorsi can also contribute to an over the top plane. When these muscles are tight and short it can cause a slumped or rounded posture called C-Posture. This rounded posture typically causes a steep or near vertical position of the club at the top of the backswing resulting in an over the top plane. For individuals with lack of mobility in these areas, keeping the club set at the top while engaging the lower body first can seem impossible.


Another limitation that can contribute to an over the top swing plane is reverse spine angle. Often associated with sway, reverse spine angle changes the lateral position of the pelvis while tilting the angle of the spine back toward the target, making it difficult for the lower body to initiate the downswing sequence. From the top of the backswing the lower body is out of position, forcing the golfer to initiate the downswing with the upper body and arms and causing an over the top plane. Finding specific causes of these limitations and improving them will go a long way toward improving your swing plane.


Getting your body and club into the correct position in the downswing can feel very difficult if any of these physical limitations are present in your body. The next time you hit the course, try these exercises to unlock any restrictions that may be hindering your ability to get into a good swing plane.



Shoulder Bridge-
Hold your body weight for 30 seconds. Keep your elbow right directly under your armpit.




Arm Circles –

Stand facing a mirror with your feet pointed straight ahead. Place your finger tips into the pad of each hand and point your thumb straight out. This hand position is imperative to doing the exercise correctly. Squeeze your shoulder blades together backwards and bring your arms out to your sides at shoulder level. With your palms facing downward, circle up and forward for the repetitions specified. With your palms facing upward, circle up and back for the desired repetitions. Remember to keep your feet straight and squeeze your shoulder blades together.