If you are slicing the ball and finding it difficult to understand why then maybe it is due to how you are releasing the clubhead through impact.

Commonly when players slice we see the left arm bent at impact (pic 1), which is commonly known as chicken winging, rather than seeing a full extension delivering maximum power (pic 2).Slicers generally have an outside-to-inside the target line swing path (pic 3), where the clubface will remain open, which significantly reduces the chance of clean contact and hitting straight shots.

Image: Brendan James

Try this swing drill to learn the correct arm sequence to help promote more arc and release in your swing path.

Adopt your normal address position and grip the club but this time, separate or split your hands on the grip so there is a gap between them (pic 4), making sure the thumbs

are to the side of the grip too, as this will encourage more wrist hinge. Hover the clubhead about 30 centimetres above the ground.

Image: Brendan James

Start your backswing and stop once your hands are at hip level (pic 5). You should strive to have your right arm bent and your left arm extended (for right-handers), which will resemble an ‘L’ shape with the club shaft. A good reference point is to have the butt of the shaft pointing about 60 centimetres behind the ball on the target line to achieve the ideal wrist angle and for the club to remain on the correct shaft plane.

You now want to swap the ‘L’ shape from your trailing side to your left side to improve the release. Turn your body through impact, extending your arms as to simulate the hit then allowing them to fold on the target side of your body (pic 6).

Image: Brendan James

The folding on the through swing needs special attention. The left arm must fold and rotate concisely after impact so that it will encourage the clubhead release. An appropriate swing thought would be left elbow points downward (on the target side ‘L’). Your arms also need to stay out in front of the body during the swing.

Give this drill a go as it will help reduce your slice movement through impact and lead to straighter shots.

If your slice persists then send through some footage of your swing for an online video analysis to danielblackwellgolf@hotmail.com

Daniel Blackwell is a AAA-rated PGA of Australia professional based at Royal Hobart Golf Club, Tasmania, and is the coach of the Tasmania Junior Team. For lessons, call the pro shop on (03) 6248 6108 or on 0401 782 829.