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Hook Slice or Straight Golf Shots

In golf there are a few terms that you need to be aware of. Hook slice is one of them and it is something which many golfers unwittingly do. Straight shot is another term that you will hear along with posture, grip and swing. But which shot is better? Should you use hook slice or straight golf shots?

Understanding Hook Slice

Hook Slice or Straight Golf ShotsHook slice is a term that you will hear quite a lot in the golfing world and what you will soon figure out is that it is basically a negative swing. Many golfers are looking at how to cure hook slice, but they have no idea why it occurs or how they can fix it.

A hook shot is when the ball is hit to the left, causing it to curve in mid air. If you were to hit the ball to the right then that would be known as a golf slice. So when you talk about golf hooks it means that you are hitting the ball too far to the left when what you really want is a straight shot.

A straight shot takes the ball the furthest distance down the fairway. This means that it will cut the number of shots that you take significantly. A hook slice will send the ball in the complete wrong direction and cause you to take more shots in order to correct it. So when hitting the ball you need to focus on hitting it straight. So how do you do that?



How to Hit a Straight Ball

The best tip that any golfer can be given when it comes to hitting the ball straight is to imagine another ball in front of it. Imagine that the second ball is placed at least a few inches away. Your aim is to hit the real ball and then continue on to hit the imaginary ball too. This will ensure that you keep a straight line after you have hit the real ball and that will give you the shot that you need.

Now there is more to it than just hitting the ball in a straight line. You also have to be positioned correctly yourself. So start by standing with your hips, shoulders and feet in a square line. Also try to keep your arms in a triangular shape with the club. Keeping them long will ensure that you have better control over the club as you make the swing.

Overall you want to avoid hook slice and aim for a straight shot. To do this you need to get your posture, grip and swing correct. The only real way to do this is to practice. Go to a local golf course as frequently as you can and practice until you manage to perfect it. If you do it will pay off and you will soon start to see a difference.

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Fix a Slice

How To Fix A Slice

The slice is the bane of golfers. Somewhere on a golf course right now someone is shouting ‘Fore!’ and pointing off to the right. If you are chuckling to yourself right now it’s because you know its true and you probably slice a little yourself.

But there is a  simple fix for your slice .

Fix a SliceFirst, let’s define a slice. (All directional references are assuming that you are a right handed golfer.) A slice is nothing more than a shot where the ball curves to the right more than you want it too. Notice I did not say the ball curves 10, 20 or even 30 yards to the right. Only you can determine if a particular shot is a slice or not.

That’s because in reality a slice is subjective. Corey Pavin might carve the ball around a dogleg whereas you or I slice the ball out there. You see, one man’s slice is another man’s fade. It all depends on how you see it.

So there are two factors that determine a slice:
The ball curves in the air traveling to the right and
You decide that is has curved more to the right than you would like

There is a lot of golf literature and instruction about the slice. Most of it is gets somewhat complicated because the instruction tries to address two variables as if they are unrelated. The two variables are face angle and swing path. In fact, the slice should be expressed as one concept. Simply stated the concept is that the clubface is open relative to the swing path.

It is a simple matter of physics. There is no other explanation or reason for a slice. The clubface is open relative to whatever path the club is swinging on.

In order to fix your slice you must get the face square to the path you are swinging on. It really is that simple. So, ‘why is a slice so hard to fix?’ you ask.

The reason is that golf is frequently a game of opposites. You’ve probably heard the expression swing easy, hit hard. It’s counter intuitive but you know it works. The same thing is true with a slice.

If you really want to fix your slice you need to start doing some things differently.
If you slice you probably do one or more of the following:
Aim to the left
Take the club back outside
Strike the ball with an open clubface

Now you need to start doing the opposite. So start
Aiming to the right
Take the club back inside
Strike the ball with a closed clubface

This will undoubtedly feel awkward and strange. But remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. If you really want to fix your slice today try at least one of the tips above. I recommend that you start with your alignment and get yourself more square or closed to the target.
Go to the practice range and get straightened out there before you take it to the course.

See you in the fairway!

By: Bob Charles

 Bob Charles has worked in the Golf Industry for over 13 years and walked inside the ropes at many PGA Tour events. This experience gives him a unique insider’s perspective on the game of golf. For more information on slicing go to www.how-to-fix-a-slice.blogspot.com

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Golf Clubs that Help Your Slice

5 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing Golf Clubs

Every golfer knows that having proper equipment is essential. Choosing golf clubs has become some what of a daunting task because of the enormous market out there. We have come up with 5 simple things to consider when choosing golf clubs.

Golf Clubs that Help Your SliceFirst of all you have to be honest with yourself in deciding what skill level you’re at. Are you a beginner just starting out, an intermediate weekend golfer, or an expert golfer who plays all the time? This is critical because there are different types of equipment designed to help every level of player. Playing with expert equipment if you are just starting out will only hurt your game.

Stay within your spending limits. You have to know what type of budget you are working with. Golf can become very expensive if you don’t stay within your means. There is equipment and accessories designed for every budget, you just have to know where to look.

Figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Do you know hook or slice the ball? Are you a long or short hitter? Do you sink many puts when you have to, etc.? You must know these qualities of your game. When you go to your local shop or golf pro it will be easy for them to get you fitted correctly if you know this information.

Got the right club?  Learn how to get rid of that slice .

How often do you play? Are you a weekend golfer or an addict who plays all the time? This will determine what golf clubs and accessories you should purchase. Don’t go out and spend a fortune on complex equipment and other things if you only play the game on the weekend with your buddies. On the other hand if you travel all over competing and playing, you are going to need the quality equipment that allows that.

Finally make sure you do your own research. Read golf magazines, articles, newspapers, and anything else you can get your hands on. Go to demo days at your local club or driving range and any local golf shows. Check online at manufacturer’s websites and other informative golf club websites. You can find anything online. Doing research is the key to getting what you want.

If you use these 5 simple tips to choosing golf clubs it will be simple for you to get fitted with exactly what you need. So go out and get those brand new clubs you have been thinking about for while.

More great tips on choosing your golf clubs can be found at:
www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html

About The Author

John Bolt is the full time owner of Golfequipmentsource.com With years of competitive golf experience under his belt, he understands the importance of having properly fitted golf equipment. You can visit him online at: www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html

 

This article was posted on March 14, 2005

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