In this video I’ll show you a common alignment mistake that can lead to a slice or a push-block to the right. Then I’ll show you a simple fix you can do in your pre-shot routine that will cure the slice and enable you to hit a straight drive or even a draw on command.

This one is subtle because it feels completely natural and you don’t even realize you are making the mistake until you see your golf ball heading the wrong direction.

You have to watch the video to see me explain where the mistake came from and how easy it is to fix … once you know what to look for (about 30% of my students make this same mistake!)

As you saw in the video I didn’t realize I was turning my body to the left when I looked at the target.

That’s not the problem, though.

OPEN HIPS AT ADDRESS CAUSE A SLICE

The issue was that I wasn’t getting my body back to square when I turned back to the ball.

That left my hips open at address.

The clue was pushing the ball right and hitting a fade when my natural shot shape is a draw.

It’s such a natural move to turn to face the target that I had to catch myself in the act before I realized what was going on.

KEEP A MENTAL CHECKLIST OF YOUR TENDENCIES

When you play or compete you should always keep a mental checklist of your tendencies. You file those tendencies away in your memory to work on them in practice. That’s one of the ways you set your priorities for range time.

If you are fortunate you find things you can address in your pre-shot routine or set-up. Like this alignment issue.

SET-UP CHANGES CAN BE MADE QUICKLY

I’m about 10 days out from the Regional Championship tournament. That’s not enough time to make swing changes.

But making set-up changes is ok.

That’s because the pre-shot routine and set-up is a “process”, not a “habit” like the golf swing. Process steps can be changed and mastered very quickly through deliberate practice.

CURING MY SLICE WITH BODY ALIGNMENT

After I recognized that my hips were open at address the fix was simple. I added a step in my pre-shot routine that squared up my body, then practiced the new step.

If you watch the video closely you’ll catch a very important point about body alignment.

I always make my alignment adjustments while looking at the target. [underline, bold text]

This is a crucial step.

If you din’t catch it, please watch the video again.

“FEELING” THE TARGET HELPS CONSISTENCY

Looking at the target and lining your body up to it allows your body to “feel” the location of the target throughout the whole swing sequence.

Knowing where the target is, and feeling the location throughout the whole swing helps with consistency and accuracy.

When you are aligned both mentally and physically you are in your best possible position for success, and you feel like your whole swing flows to the target from the top of the backswing.

TAKE AWAYS

1. Check yourself the next time you play. Do you turn your whole body to look at the target then leave your body open at address?
2. Note your tendencies when you play, then address them during practice and training.
3. Do you have your mind AND your body aligned to the target? Do you “feel” the target location throughout your swing?