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The slice is the most common fault in golf and in this article I plan to explore what causes a golf slice and how to cure it.

The slice is an uncontrolled shot that causes the ball to curve off to the right of the ball-to-target line, causing a loss of both direction and distance.

Most slices are the result of an unintentional out-to-in swing path, though other faults may also produce slicing. Whatever the swing path, the clubface always moves across the ball from far right to near left (right handed players). This causes the ball to spin in a clockwise direction, which moves the ball from left to right as it flies through the air.

Faults that lead to a slice occur at either the address position or during the swing itself.

Possible Causes During Set-up.

Bad Grip.

A club that is held too tightly creates tension in the arms and can cause the player to have an out-to-in swing. Try to relax your grip by imagining you are holding a little bird. You dont want to squeeze it to death but at the same time you dont want it to escape.

Having a weak grip. A weak grip tends to cause an open clubface at address. If this is your problem try turning both hands clockwise on the club.

Both these problems are covered in articles Golf The Correct Grip which is a 3 part series and can be found in the Ezine Article directory or on my blog.

alignment.

May be open, which promotes slicing, or closed, which promotes an over the top swing. Align your feet and shoulders so that they are parallel to the ball to target line.

Ball Position.

Do not place the ball too far forward, this is a common fault which causes the shoulders to open and promotes an outside-to-in swing path.

Move the ball back in your stance, but still forward of center, so that when you set the club down your shoulders are parallel with the ball-to-target line.

Clubface angle.

An open clubface at address will cause the ball to slice. Ensure that your clubface is aligned square to the ball-to target line.

Possible Cause During The swing.

Poor weight transfer.

If you are not transferring your weight from your back foot to the front (target) your clubface will be open through impact.

Use the famous Gary Player down the fairway drill, where you play your shot and take a step forward on your follow through and walk after the ball.

Another drill is the stepping drill whereby you grossly exaggerate your weight transfer by lifting your front leg on the backswing, shifting all your weight on to the back foot and then stepping on the front foot and lifting the back foot on the downswing and follow through. Try it, it works.

also very effective is to swing with your eyes close and concentrate on the weight shift. Do not worry about the ball when using this drill.

Club follows an out-to-in path (points to left of target at top of back swing).

With your club in this position you will have an out-to-in swing path.

Use the following drill to cure this. Address the ball as normal and then raise the club about 18 inches above the ball so it is hovering directly above it. Make a backswing that is not pulled quickly inside. Note the angle of the plane going back. Now make a forward swing in which the plane is under or shallower than the backswing plane. A back under, back under routine. Lower the club to the ball and repeat.

Upper body tension.

This is probably caused by gripping the club too tight. See above for holding a bird. also relax the tension in the arms.

I trust that this article has helped you understand what causes a golf slice and how to cure it. It wont happen overnight but if you practice the above drills you will soon find yourself playing golf without slicing.

As a qualified EGTF golf professional teacher I get great pleasure in helping people improve their game. Why not head over to Better Golfing and take up my challenge to reduce your golf handicap by 25% within 6 weeks?

yoga is a fun hobby and a way of life for many. Whether you are a life-long fan of yoga, or just starting to get into the rewarding sport, you will need good supplies. Some items are required in order to do yoga, other things are optional. Our review of yoga shoes and supplies with get you started. Let us help you decide what equipment you need.

Our first subject in yoga shoes and supplies are yoga shoes. The type of shoes you need depends on what kind of yoga you are doing. If you are participating in a simple or beginners style of yoga, you really don't need shoes at all. If you do a more advanced and physical type of yoga, such as bikram yoga, you should consider investing in a good pair of athletic shoes. On the other hand, if you do a type of yoga that is somewhere in the middle, you might consider using a soft dancing shoe or simple athletic shoe.

Our second subject in yoga shoes and supplies are the basic equipment needs. Anyone who does yoga should have a yoga mat, no matter what level or style of yoga they are doing. You can find these quite affordably at most department and sporting goods stores. It is also important to have good clothing. Comfortable, loose fitting, stretchy pants or shorts, and cotton T-shirts, tanks or sweaters are best. Socks are optional, as are shoes.

Our final subject in yoga shoes and supplies are advanced equipment needs. You may choose to use all or none of these items. One of these items is a yoga ball. These large inflatable balls are great for a number of yoga exercises. You might be able to purchase one of these in a kit with a yoga mat if you prefer. Other types of equipment include books and videos for instructional use and additional clothing items if desired.

Chinese slippers and Oriental sandals are a great accessory. Whether it's just for the bedroom, spa and around the house or a stylish addition to an outfit during the summer, Japanese and chinese inspired shoes and slippers are a great idea. Buy authentic geta or zori sandals or cheaper replicas are available in the United states. For yoga shoes and equipment visit Universal Yoga.