A slice frustrates junior golfers more than any other swing problem. The ball starts left, then curves hard to the right, landing in trouble or way off target. For right-handed golfers, this banana-shaped ball flight kills distance and accuracy.
The slice robs distance because the ball’s sidespin reduces forward momentum. It also hurts accuracy since you never know exactly how much the ball will curve. This combination damages confidence, especially with the driver where slices are most obvious.
Most slices come from fixable problems: grip issues, swing path mistakes, or setup errors. Junior golfers can correct these problems with focused practice and the right drills. Understanding how to fix slice in junior golfers starts with identifying the specific cause, then using targeted practice to build better habits.
Understanding Why Slices Happen
A slice occurs when the clubface points right of the swing path at impact. This creates the sidespin that makes the ball curve dramatically to the right.
The main causes:
- Open clubface: When the clubface points right of your swing direction at impact, it imparts clockwise spin on the ball
- Outside-to-inside swing path: Swinging across the ball from outside the target line creates cutting action
- Poor grip: Weak hand position makes it hard to square the clubface through impact
The ball typically starts left of your target, then curves right. Severe slices start straight but curve dramatically. Both patterns indicate the same problem—clubface position relative to swing path.
Small mistakes in grip often lead to compensations in swing path, which creates bigger problems. A weak grip makes golfers swing from outside-in to try to square the clubface, but this usually makes the slice worse.
Understanding this relationship helps you identify which part of your swing needs the most attention. Most junior golfers need to work on grip first, then swing path.
Checking Grip and Hand Position
Grip problems cause most slices in junior golfers. A weak grip makes it nearly impossible to square the clubface consistently, especially with longer clubs.
Grip basics: Hold the club so you can see 2-3 knuckles on your lead hand when you look down. Your trail hand should sit more on the side of the grip, not underneath it. Both hands should work together to control the club.
Stronger grip adjustment: Rotate both hands slightly to the right on the grip (for right-handed golfers). This helps the clubface return to square at impact instead of staying open. The change should feel like your hands are more on top of the grip.
Mirror drill: Hold your club in front of a mirror and check your hand position. Your lead hand should show 2-3 knuckles, and both thumbs should point down the shaft. Practice gripping and re-gripping until the position becomes automatic.
A stronger grip feels strange at first because most beginners naturally hold the club too weakly. Stick with the new grip for several practice sessions before judging results. Your hands need time to adjust to the new position.
Good grip habits fix many slice problems immediately. Once your hands can square the clubface naturally, other swing improvements become much easier to make.
Improving Swing Path
Many junior golfers swing “over the top,” creating an outside-to-inside path that cuts across the ball and produces slices.
Pool noodle drill: Stick an alignment rod in the ground at a 45-degree angle just outside your target line. Slide a pool noodle over the rod. Practice swinging under the noodle without hitting it.
The noodle forces you to swing from inside the target line instead of coming over the top. You’ll feel your club approaching the ball from a different angle—more from behind instead of from the side.
Practice routine: Start with practice swings under the noodle, focusing on the feeling of swinging from inside. Then hit balls while avoiding the noodle. At first, you might hit some hooks as your swing path changes, but this is normal.
Your right elbow (for righties) should feel like it’s dropping down during the downswing instead of moving away from your body. This creates the inside approach that reduces slicing.
Body Positioning and Ball Placement
Setup position directly affects your ability to make an inside swing path and square the clubface.
- Ball position: Place the ball just inside your lead heel for driver shots. This position encourages hitting up on the ball and prevents cutting across it. For irons, move the ball slightly back toward the center of your stance.
- Stance width: Stand shoulder-width apart for balance. Wider stances restrict rotation, while narrow stances reduce stability. Find the width that lets you turn freely while staying balanced.
- Shoulder alignment: Your lead shoulder should sit slightly higher than your trail shoulder at address. This spine tilt helps create the proper angle of attack and inside swing path.
- Weight distribution: Start with slightly more weight on your trail foot, then shift forward during the swing. This movement helps create the inside path and upward strike needed to reduce slicing.
Setup drill: Place the club behind the ball and check your posture. Have a parent or coach look at your setup from behind to confirm proper alignment. Your body lines should be parallel to your target line, not pointing at the target.
Consistent setup makes good swings much easier. When your body is positioned correctly, the club naturally wants to approach the ball from the right angle.
Drills for Clubface Awareness
Understanding how clubface position affects ball flight helps junior golfers make conscious improvements instead of random adjustments.
Face-to-path relationship: The ball curves based on where the clubface points relative to your swing path. An open clubface creates slice spin, while a square clubface produces straight shots.
Half-swing drill: Hit short shots with half-swings, focusing entirely on squaring the clubface at impact. Feel your hands rotating slightly through the hitting area to close an open clubface.
Impact feedback: Use impact tape or foot powder spray on your clubface to see exactly where you’re making contact. Center contact with a square clubface produces the best results.
Pay attention to how square impact feels in your hands compared to open clubface contact. Square hits feel solid and produce a different sound than glancing blows from an open face.
Practice routine: Hit 10-15 balls focusing only on clubface position, ignoring distance or direction. Watch how ball flight changes when you consciously square the clubface through impact.
This awareness helps you make real-time adjustments during play. When you understand the relationship between clubface position and ball flight, you can self-correct problems as they develop.
Conclusion
Fixing a slice requires attention to grip, swing path, setup position, and clubface control. Most junior golfers can eliminate their slice by working on these areas systematically.
The key is patience and consistent practice. Slice fixes don’t happen overnight, but they do happen when you address the right fundamentals in the right order. Focus on one area at a time and trust the process.
Regular practice with these drills builds the muscle memory needed for straighter shots. When your fundamentals are solid, the slice disappears and your confidence returns.
Junior golfers seeking personalized help with slice corrections can connect with experienced instructors through Athletes Untapped. Many specialized golf coaches focus on swing mechanics and can provide customized practice plans for individual needs.
