How to Stop Slicing the Driver: Face-to-Path Basics

Learn how to stop slicing your driver with face-to-path adjustments and feel-based fixes. Improve your ball striking and find the fairway more often.

By Marcus Bell, PGA Teaching Professional 2026-07-24

To stop slicing your driver, focus on correcting the face-to-path relationship during your swing. A slice often results from an open clubface relative to the swing path at impact, causing the ball to curve excessively to the right for right-handed players. By understanding this relationship and using feel-based adjustments, you can achieve straighter drives.

What Causes a Slice with the Driver?

The primary cause of a slice is an open clubface at impact relative to the swing path. This mismatch causes the ball to spin sideways, resulting in a curved flight. Many golfers unknowingly face this issue due to improper grip, stance, or swing mechanics. Ensuring your swing path is not cutting across the ball is crucial for reducing slices.

For instance, if your swing path is moving from outside to inside (relative to the target line), the clubface will naturally be more open at impact. This is a common mistake among amateur golfers, resulting in a slice. Focusing on altering your swing path to a more inside-to-out motion can help close the clubface at impact, reducing sidespin and promoting a straighter ball flight.

How to Adjust Your Grip to Fix a Slice

A correct grip can significantly influence the clubface position. For right-handed players, try rotating both hands slightly to the right on the grip. This adjustment promotes a more closed clubface at impact. Conversely, left-handed players should rotate both hands to the left. A practical way to check your grip is the 'V' test: make sure the 'V' formed by your thumb and forefinger points towards your right shoulder (left shoulder for left-handed players).

Another effective grip adjustment is the 'strong grip' technique. By positioning your hands so that more knuckles are visible on your top hand, you encourage the clubface to close through impact. Practice this grip change by hitting 50 balls on the range, focusing on maintaining the grip throughout the swing.

Correct Your Stance for Better Face-to-Path Alignment

Improving your stance can also help in aligning the clubface and swing path. Position your feet shoulder-width apart and align your shoulders parallel to your target line. Ensure your weight is balanced, with slightly more weight on your back foot at address. This setup encourages a more neutral swing path. Additionally, ensure your hips are not open to the target line to prevent an out-to-in swing path.

Experiment with slight stance alterations to find what best promotes an inside-to-out path. For example, try setting up with your feet slightly closed relative to the target line. This can encourage the desired swing path and help prevent the clubface from opening.

Practice Drills to Reduce Your Slice

The Towel Drill

Place a towel under your right armpit (left for left-handed players) during practice swings. This drill promotes better body rotation and discourages an over-the-top swing path. Aim for 10 repetitions per session, focusing on keeping the towel in place during the swing to maintain connection between your arms and body. This drill helps in maintaining the proper arm-body connection, crucial for controlling the clubface.

The Alignment Stick Drill

Place an alignment stick on the ground parallel to your target line. Practice swinging over the stick, focusing on keeping your swing path straight through impact. This visual aid helps ensure correct path alignment. Perform 15 swings with the stick as a guide, gradually increasing speed while maintaining control. Over time, incorporate a second stick aligned slightly inside your target line to further encourage an inside-to-out path.

The Closed Stance Drill

Set up with a slightly closed stance, with your back foot pulled slightly away from the target line. This encourages an inside-out swing path. Hit 20 balls in this stance, concentrating on the feel of swinging from inside to out. This drill is particularly useful for golfers who struggle with an over-the-top swing motion.

The Swing Plane Drill

Use a swing plane trainer or a makeshift guide (like a pool noodle) to help visualize and practice the correct swing path. Set up the trainer so that it aligns with your target line but slightly to the inside. Practice swinging along this plane to promote a more desirable swing path and clubface angle at impact. Repeat this drill 10 times per session, focusing on maintaining the correct path.

Feel-Based Techniques for Slicing Less

Feel-based techniques can help golfers make natural adjustments. Visualize hitting the inside quadrant of the ball, which promotes an inside-to-out swing path. Focus on the sensation of your hands rolling over through impact, encouraging a square or slightly closed clubface. Practice this visualization for 5 minutes before hitting balls, then apply it to your swing.

Another effective feel-based approach is to practice slow-motion swings, emphasizing the correct path and clubface position. This can help engrain the desired motions into your muscle memory, leading to more consistent results on the course.

Should You Consider Equipment Adjustments?

While swing changes are crucial, equipment can also play a role. If slicing persists, consider a driver fitting to match your swing characteristics. A fitting can help identify if adjustments in loft or shaft flex can mitigate slicing. Consider drivers with adjustable weights or hosel settings to fine-tune face angle and bias. Read more about how a fitting can transform your game.

Additionally, using a driver with a higher loft can sometimes reduce sidespin, making it easier to keep the ball in play. Experiment with different club settings and shafts to find the combination that best suits your swing.

How to Track Progress and Consistency

Regularly track your progress by noting changes in ball flight and distance. Use a launch monitor during practice sessions to gather data on clubface angle and swing path. Consistent feedback will help you identify improvements and areas needing further work. Record your sessions to visually assess swing improvements over time.

For more insights, explore our guide on stopping golf ball slices. Keeping a practice journal where you note down your session details and progress can also be a beneficial tool for long-term improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to stop slicing driver?

To stop slicing your driver, focus on adjusting your grip to promote a closed clubface. Practice drills like the towel drill to improve your swing path. Regularly check your stance and alignment.

How to stop slicing driver right?

If your drives consistently slice right, ensure your clubface is not open at impact. Rotate your grip slightly and practice swinging along a straight path using alignment sticks.

How to stop slicing driver lefty?

Left-handed players should rotate the grip slightly to the left to close the clubface. Focus on an inside-to-out swing path and use drills like the towel drill to enhance body rotation.

How to stop slicing driver reddit?

Golfers on Reddit often suggest focusing on grip and swing path to reduce slicing. Engaging in community discussions can provide additional tips and shared experiences to help you refine your technique.

How to stop slicing driver golf?

Addressing a golf slice involves correcting face-to-path dynamics. Use drills, adjust your grip, and possibly consider a driver fitting to ensure your equipment suits your swing.

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