Hank Haney Fixes A High Handicapper's Slice LIVE

Summary

In this golf lesson, a coach helps a golfer correct his slice after 40 years of playing. The coach explains that slicing occurs because the club face is open relative to the swing path. He offers detailed advice on grip, clubface positioning, and swing adjustments to achieve a draw instead of a slice. The golfer practices these techniques, gradually improving his swing by focusing on a stronger grip, softer grip pressure, and a proper swing direction. The lesson emphasizes closing the club face early for better control and distance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lifelong golfer with 40 years of experience is trying to fix their slicing problem.
• 🏌️ The slice is caused by the club face being open relative to the swing path.
• 🔄 The golfer's swing path is often to the left, causing occasional pulls if it doesn't slice.
• 📏 To stop slicing, the club face needs to be more square or closed to the path, and the swing path should move more to the right.
• 🎯 Setting the club face closed at address causes a bigger slice, so it should be square or slightly open.
• ✋ A stronger grip, with hands more under the club, helps square the club face and create a stronger shot.
• 🌀 Practicing clockwise circular swings helps train the right motion, focusing on shoulder turns and grip control.
• 💪 Grip pressure should be soft, and the left hand should turn during the downswing to square the club face earlier.
• 🏟 The golfer should aim their swing to the right, like hitting toward the second baseman or right fielder in baseball.
• 💡 Closing the club face earlier during the swing fixes the slice, producing a straighter or drawn shot.

Q & A

What is the primary reason for slicing the ball, according to the coach?

The primary reason for slicing the ball is that the club face is open relative to the path of the swing.

What happens when the club face is only slightly open to the swing path?

If the club face is slightly open, even by one degree, the ball will slice because the open face doesn't align with the swing path.

What adjustment does the coach recommend when setting up the club face?

The coach recommends setting the club face square to the ball, and if anything, slightly open, rather than closed, to avoid overcompensating and increasing the slice.

Why does the coach emphasize a stronger grip?

A stronger grip, with both hands turned more toward the right shoulder, helps close the club face during the swing, leading to a more powerful shot.

What drill does the coach suggest to help correct the slice?

The coach suggests a drill where the player swings the club in a clockwise circle while turning the shoulders, which helps improve the swing path and club face alignment.

Why does the coach focus on turning the left hand during the swing?

The coach emphasizes turning the left hand to close the club face earlier in the swing, preventing the face from staying open and causing a slice.

What is the significance of swinging towards the 'second baseman' or 'right fielder'?

Swinging toward the 'second baseman' or 'right fielder' is a visualization technique to encourage a more rightward swing path, which can help counteract the slice.

How does grip pressure influence the effectiveness of the swing?

A softer grip pressure allows for better control and helps the player naturally close the club face at the right moment, improving the shot's accuracy and power.

What mistake does the coach identify when the player places their left hand on the club?

The coach notices that the player tends to place their left hand too much on top of the club, which prevents the proper hand rotation needed to close the club face.

How does the player describe the difference after applying the new technique?

The player feels that the swing has much more power, describing it as 'night and day' compared to their usual shot, indicating significant improvement in distance and control.