subject: The Correct Grip To Prevent A Slice [print this page] The Correct Grip To Prevent A Slice The Correct Grip To Prevent A Slice
If there is one tip that could be given to amateur golfers it would be the correct grip. The correct placement of the hands on the golf club is the starting point of any good swing. The fitting of the left hand is most important especially for those who slice the ball or lack distance.
The only contact a player has with a golf club is through the hands and as it is the club which strikes the ball the correct grip is imperative if we are to return the club head to the ball squarely.
The left hand (for a right handed player) represents the necessary fixing that is required to hinge the wrists and allow the club to swing freely. A players grip can be deceptive, what may look good on the surface can conceal something totally different beneath. It is not until the fingers of the left hand are prised open that the true picture unfolds.
Take a closer look at your own grip by opening up the fingers of the left hand. Holding the club as you normally would the grip or handle of the golf club should run along the fingers. If the grip runs high across the palm of the hand then the ability to hinge or cock your wrists correctly is greatly impeded. This is a fault which undoubtedly will result in a lack of distance and accuracy.
A sure sign that this fault exists is to examine your glove. If there is any wear to the pad at the heel of the hand then the club is definitely being positioned incorrectly. Not only is this poor grip costing you shots but money as well!
To eliminate this fault take the following course of action - From a standing position allow your arms to hang freely in front of your body and note how your palms naturally point inwards. Maintain the same arm position, take hold of the golf club and place it in your left hand ensuring that the club face and the back of the left forearm run parallel to one another.
Position your left thumb just to the right of centre on the grip and keep the gap between it and the main part of the hand nice and tight. This keeps the thumb 'short' and helps to create more leverage in the golf swing.
With your new grip placed in the address position you should see 2 to 2 knuckles visible on the back of the left hand and the 'v' formed between the thumb and main part of the hand pointing between the chin and right shoulder. What you should also sense is an increased feel for the club head.
The real difference is the way in which the club is gripped. Open up your hand and you will see that the grip or handle of the golf club runs from the base of the little finger through the middle of the index finger.
This improved hold on the golf club will give increased feel and flexibility in the left wrist to encourage a free hinging or free wheeling motion that is necessary to create club head speed.
With the hands on the club in the correct grip they form an effective union which will lead to straighter more powerful shots.
