By fixing your over-the-top tendencies, you’ll also stop slicing the ball!
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Ask 100 amateur players to name the one mistake that they just can’t quit on the golf course, and I’d bet about 90% of them would say “slicing.”
So if you’re a chronic slicer, you’re not alone.
But instead of just trying to “play the slice” by tinkering with your aim and alignment, don’t you think it’s time to cure the issue once and for all? We here at GOLF.com sure do, which is why we’re so keen on teaching you the proper fundamentals to play better.
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One of the more common swing flaws that leads to a slice is coming over the top. By doing this, the swing sequence gets thrown out of whack and the clubface gets off plane — opening it up and causing a slice.
But our most-read slice tip of this year helps fix the issue, with GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood providing a foolproof method to fix your over-the-top swing (and slice!).
Check out Yarwood’s advice in full below, or click here to read the original article.
How to finally stop slicing the golf ball, per a Top 100 Teacher
An over-the-top swing is something many golfers struggle with. It’s common among beginners, and even for experienced players, it can creep into their swing and cause issues.
When beginners swing over the top, it usually results in an ugly slice. It’s disheartening and something that can take them years to grow out of. And when experienced golfers come over the top, it leads to a steep swing plane and inconsistent contact, sapping them of power and creating a litany of other issues.
Despite this being such a common swing fault, it’s not an easy issue for most golfers to fix. However, it doesn’t have to be. As GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood explains in the video below, all you need to do to get rid of an over-the-top swing is changing the way you shift your weight.
When you’re coming over the top, it’s usually because the sequencing of your weight shift is off. From the top, you will typically shift the weight to your toes in your trail foot and toward the heel in the back foot. If you want to fix it, all you need to do is shift your weight the opposite way.
“Really good players do the opposite,” Yarwood says. “They push from their right heel or the middle of their right foot into their front toes slightly in transition.”
Instead of spinning out of the shot from the top, try to shift your weight diagonally along your target line. Start with the weight on your trail heel and shift it into your front toes.
“As a result, the club gets into what we call a shallow position,” Yarwood says. “That allows the body to stay closed for a fraction of a second, which shallows the club.”
If you want to get the proper feeling on the range, try making some swings with your trail toe and your lead heel off the ground. This will allow your trail arm to work down your chest and shallow out, which will help your swing plane to become more in-to-out.
“Start getting that pressure moving better in a more diagonal fashion and you’re going to shallow your downswing,” Yarwood says. “You’re going to hit it a thousand times better.”
Rukket Sports Pathfinder Impact Mat™
$69.99
Are you looking for a golf training mat to help your golf game? The Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™ was designed with input from professional golfers and golf teachers to help players of all abilities improve their game. The strike mat tracks club face alignment and helps ensure clean contact with the ball while the foam pylons can be used to keep your swing on plane. Use all four pylons to practice hitting straighter shots or remove pylons to practice hitting draw or fade shots. It’s the most versatile golf swing practice mat available and works with every club in your bag!
Features
2-in-1 golf swing training mat combining the features of an impact mat / strike mat and a swing path trainer to help golfers quickly identify and correct common swing problems like hooks and slices.
It’s a golf swing impact / strike mat to help identify and correct club face alignment. Use the “velvet” turf to ensure you’re making clean contact with the ball.
It’s also a golf swing training aid to help with swing plane alignment. Use it to fix a slice or a hook, and to practice hitting draw and fade shots.
What’s in the Box
(1) Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™
(4) Foam Pylons
(1) Instruction Booklet
Product Specs
25in x 13in x 0.8in
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