Introduction
If your shots start left and slice hard right—or start right and keep drifting—you’re almost certainly swinging across the ball.
That over-the-top move is one of the biggest causes of a slice, and it’s hard to fix just by “thinking differently” during your swing.
This is where the alignment stick drill for slice comes in. It gives you instant feedback and forces you to swing on the correct path. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use it, what it fixes, and how to make it stick on the course.
What’s Causing This Problem?
A slice isn’t random. It’s a predictable result of a few key issues:
- Outside-in swing path
The club cuts across the ball, creating sidespin. - Open clubface at impact
Even a decent path won’t help if the face is open. - Poor sequencing in the downswing
Upper body starts first, throwing the club outwards. - Weak grip
Makes it harder to square the face consistently. - Trying to “hit” the ball instead of swing through it
Leads to a steep, across-the-ball motion.
If you’re not clear on why the ball curves, this explains exactly what causes a slice in golf.
How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
1. Set Up the Alignment Stick Correctly
The setup is everything. Get this wrong and the drill won’t work.
What to do:
- Place an alignment stick just outside the ball
- Angle it slightly right of your target (for right-handers)
- Position it about a clubhead width away
Why it works:
It creates a physical barrier that forces your swing path to move more inside-to-out.
2. Make Slow, Controlled Swings
Don’t rush this.
What to do:
- Start with half swings
- Focus on missing the stick on the downswing
- Keep your tempo smooth
Checkpoint:
If you don’t hit the stick, your path is improving.
3. Focus on Swing Direction, Not Power
Most slicers try to fix this by swinging harder. That makes it worse.
What to do:
- Feel like you’re swinging out towards right field
- Let the club travel around your body
- Ignore distance—focus on direction
4. Combine with Clubface Control
Path alone won’t fix your slice.
What to do:
- Make sure your grip isn’t too weak
- Feel like the face is closing through impact
If needed, here’s how to square the clubface at impact.
5. Build It Into Full Swings
Once you can do it slowly, increase speed.
What to do:
- Gradually move from half swings to full swings
- Keep the same movement and feel
- Stop if you start hitting the stick again
If you want a complete plan, follow this guide to fix a golf slice.
Simple Drills That Actually Work
1. Standard Alignment Stick Drill
This is the core golf alignment drill for slice correction.
How to do it:
- Place the stick outside the ball
- Swing without hitting it
- Start slow, then build speed
What it fixes:
Over-the-top swing path.
How to know it’s working:
Your shots start straighter and curve less.
2. Double Stick Path Drill
Adds more structure and feedback.
How to do it:
- Place one stick on the ground for alignment
- Place another outside the ball for path
- Swing between them
What it fixes:
Both alignment and path together.
3. Stick Gate Drill
Builds precision.
How to do it:
- Place two sticks forming a narrow “gate” just in front of the ball
- Swing through the gate
What it fixes:
Improves both swing direction and strike consistency.
If you want more structured practice, these are some of the best drills to fix a slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing the stick too close
You’ll hit it even with a good swing. - Going straight to full speed
You won’t learn the movement properly. - Ignoring clubface control
Path alone won’t stop the slice. - Aiming incorrectly
Bad alignment leads to bad compensations. - Only practising on the range
You need to take this feel onto the course.
Recommended Equipment (That Actually Helps)
1. Alignment Sticks
Essential for this drill.
- Cheap and effective
- Easy to carry
- Versatile for multiple drills
They’re a key part of any effective alignment stick drill for slices.
2. Training Aids for Swing Path
Useful if you struggle to feel the correct movement.
- Reinforce inside-to-out path
- Provide instant feedback
- Speed up improvement
See the best training aids for slicers.
3. Draw-Biased Drivers
Helpful while you’re improving.
- Reduce slice curvature
- Help square the face
- Add confidence off the tee
Explore the best drivers for slicers.
4. Low-Spin Golf Balls
Minimise the damage from slight mishits.
- Less sidespin
- Straighter ball flight
- More consistency
Check out the best golf balls for slicers.
Quick Summary
- The alignment stick drill is one of the fastest ways to fix a slice
- It forces a better swing path instantly
- Start slow and focus on missing the stick
- Combine path changes with clubface control
- Build up to full swings gradually
- Use consistent practice to make it stick
FAQs
How effective is the alignment stick drill for a slice?
It’s one of the most effective drills because it gives instant, physical feedback on your swing path.
How often should I practise this drill?
2–3 focused sessions per week is enough to see progress.
Can beginners use this drill?
Yes. It’s simple and works for all skill levels.
Do I need more than one alignment stick?
No, but using two can improve feedback and structure.
How long does it take to fix a slice with this drill?
Most golfers see noticeable improvement within a few sessions if they practise it correctly.
