GOLF TIPS

A slice may be born at impact, but it's often conceived in the backswing. Consider what the clubhead does going back: It moves both up and around the body. This is because the backswing is a blend of two motions - arm swing and body turn. The arms swing the club back and up and the body turn moves it inside.

Unfortunately, many golfers confuse these roles: They swing their arms abruptly to the inside, rolling the back of the left hand to the sky and turning the clubface wide open. Add body turn, which is supposed to move the club inside naturally, and the clubhead sweeps way inside. From there, golfers sense that the only way to get the club back to the ball is by looping it over the top. This usually causes an out-to-in swing path and can produce a weak slice.

To make sure your wrists and arms are doing their correct job, gradually cock your wrists as you begin your turn, then raise your arms up and rotate the left forearm to keep the club on plane. Do that, and you'll have the right up-and-in shape going back and be well on your way to losing your slice.