Introduction
If your shots keep curving right and you feel like you’re cutting across the ball, your swing is likely getting too steep and disconnected.
That’s where the towel drill for golf slice comes in. It’s simple, but it targets one of the biggest root causes of slicing—poor connection between your arms and body.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use the towel drill correctly, what it fixes, and how to turn it into a movement that actually shows up on the course.
What’s Causing This Problem?
Most golfers who slice have a similar pattern in their swing:
- Arms disconnect from the body
The arms move independently, causing the club to come over the top. - Outside-in swing path
The club cuts across the ball instead of approaching from inside. If this sounds familiar, learn how to fix an outside-in swing. - Steep downswing
The club moves down too vertically instead of shallow and around the body. - Open clubface at impact
Often paired with a poor path, making the slice worse. - Lack of body rotation through impact
The arms dominate instead of the body leading.
If you want the full breakdown, this explains exactly what causes a slice in golf.
How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
1. Set Up the Towel Correctly
The setup determines whether the drill works or not.
What to do:
- Place a small towel under your lead arm (left arm for right-handers)
- Pin it lightly against your chest
- Keep it there without squeezing too hard
Why it works:
It forces your arms and body to stay connected throughout the swing.
2. Start with Half Swings
Don’t go straight into full swings.
What to do:
- Make slow, controlled swings
- Focus on keeping the towel in place
- Swing to waist height on both sides
Checkpoint:
If the towel stays in place, your movement is improving.
3. Feel the Club Shallow
This is where the slice starts to disappear.
What to do:
- Feel like the club moves around your body, not down steeply
- Let your body rotation guide the swing
- Avoid throwing your arms at the ball
Why it works:
A shallower path reduces the across-the-ball motion that causes slices.
4. Add Clubface Awareness
The towel drill fixes path, but you still need face control.
What to do:
- Strengthen your grip slightly if needed
- Feel like the face is squaring through impact
If needed, learn how to square the clubface at impact.
5. Progress to Full Swings
Once the movement feels natural:
What to do:
- Gradually increase swing length and speed
- Keep the same connected feel
- Stop if the towel drops early
If you want a complete approach, follow this guide to fix a golf slice.
Simple Drills That Actually Work
1. Basic Towel Drill
This is the core swing path towel drill.
How to do it:
- Place the towel under your lead arm
- Make half swings
- Keep the towel in place through impact
What it fixes:
Connection and swing path.
How to know it’s working:
Your contact improves and your ball flight straightens.
2. Towel + Pause Drill
Adds control and awareness.
How to do it:
- Make a backswing
- Pause briefly at the top
- Start down slowly, keeping the towel in place
What it fixes:
Prevents rushing and improves sequencing.
3. Towel + Alignment Drill
Combines path and connection.
How to do it:
- Use a towel under your arm
- Place an alignment stick outside the ball
- Swing without hitting the stick
What it fixes:
Both connection and swing direction.
If you want another strong option, try this alignment stick drill for slices.
For more structured practice, see these drills to fix a slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Squeezing the towel too tightly
This creates tension and ruins your swing. - Going too fast too soon
You won’t learn the movement properly. - Letting the towel drop early
This means your arms are disconnecting again. - Ignoring clubface control
Path alone won’t fix your slice. - Only using the drill on the range
You need to transfer the feel to real swings.
Recommended Equipment (That Actually Helps)
1. Alignment Sticks
Useful alongside the towel drill.
- Help guide swing path
- Provide visual feedback
- Improve consistency
They pair well with drills like the alignment stick drill for slices.
2. Training Aids for Connection
Some aids replicate the towel drill more consistently.
- Keep arms and body synced
- Provide constant feedback
- Great for home practice
See the best training aids for slicers.
3. Draw-Biased Drivers
Helpful while improving your swing.
- Reduce slice curvature
- Help square the face
- Increase confidence
Explore the best drivers for slicers.
4. Low-Spin Golf Balls
Reduce the impact of sidespin.
- Straighter flight
- More forgiveness
- Better consistency
Check out the best golf balls for slicers.
Quick Summary
- The towel drill improves connection and swing path
- It helps eliminate the over-the-top move
- Start with slow, controlled swings
- Combine with clubface control for best results
- Gradually build up to full swings
- Use it consistently to see lasting improvement
FAQs
Does the towel drill really fix a slice?
Yes. It improves connection and path, which are key causes of slicing.
Which arm should I put the towel under?
Your lead arm. This keeps your swing connected to your body.
How often should I practise this drill?
2–3 focused sessions per week is enough to see progress.
Can beginners use the towel drill?
Yes. It’s simple and very effective for all skill levels.
How long does it take to see results?
Most golfers notice improvements within a few range sessions if they practise it properly.
