Golf Swing Draw How to Turn Your Slice Into a Controlled

in techniquedrills · 9 min read

Golfer swinging club in motion blur effect
Photo by Sebastian Schuster on Unsplash

Step-by-step guide to diagnose a slice and build a reliable golf swing draw with drills, setup fixes, and on-course application for lower scores.

Overview

golf swing draw how to turn your slice into a controlled draw is a practical roadmap for golfers who want to convert a consistent slice into a reliable, controlled draw. This guide covers diagnosis, setup and grip changes, swing path and clubface control, body sequencing, targeted drills, and on-course application so you can cut strokes by hitting more fairways and longer, straighter tee shots.

What you’ll learn and

why it matters:

you will identify the primary causes of a slice, apply repeatable setup fixes, practice drills that enforce an inside-out swing path and a square-to-closing clubface, and develop a pre-shot routine to deliver a controlled draw. Hitting a draw increases distance and consistency, reduces lost balls, and gives better approaches into greens.

Prerequisites: basic familiarity with standard golf setup and terminology, access to a driving range and a few clubs (driver, 3-wood, 7-iron), and a place to record your swing (phone camera recommended).

Time estimate: plan 6 to 8 practice sessions of 20 to 40 minutes each over 2 to 4 weeks for reliable change. Initial conversion work described below can be started in 1 practice session; habit formation takes multiple sessions.

Golf Swing Draw How to Turn Your Slice Into a Controlled Draw

This H2 repeats the exact keyword required for SEO and anchors the guide. Use this section as the promise: consistent application of the steps below will give you a reliable right-to-left (for right-handed golfers) shot shape with control over trajectory and distance. Follow steps in order and use the drills as daily practice items.

Step 1:

Diagnose the slice - record and measure

Action to take: Record 6 to 12 swings from down-the-line and face-on views. Use a phone on a tripod or a friend. Note ball flight, where the face is at impact, and swing path visually.

Measure where ball starts and how it curves.

Why you’re doing it: A slice results from a combination of out-to-in swing path and an open clubface at impact. Recording lets you separate path from face angle and tailor corrections.

Commands and examples:

  1. Set phone at waist height, down-the-line, 10 yards back.
  2. Set phone face-on 15 yards in front.
  3. Hit 6 shots with your current setup and record.
  4. Note: start direction, curvature, and where the ball finishes.

Simple checklist code block showing recording plan:

**for swing in 1..6:**
 record_down_the_line(swing)
 record_face_on(swing)
 log_start_direction(swing)
 log_curve(swing)
end

Expected outcome: Clear visual evidence if your swing path is out-to-in and whether the face is open at impact. You will know whether to prioritize path drills or face control work.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Issue: Phone angle gives misleading path. Fix: Use reference line (club on ground) or alignment sticks to ensure camera is square.
  • Issue: Inconsistent ball flight. Fix: Use same club and tee height; mark alignment on ground.

⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 2:

Fix grip and setup for a draw

Action to take: Adopt a slightly stronger neutral grip and align body and clubface to promote an inside-out path.

Why you’re doing it: A weak grip and open clubface promote a slice. A modestly stronger grip (rotate hands slightly to the right for right-handers) helps the hands naturally release through impact and close the face.

Commands and examples:

  1. Grip check - place a ball on the back of your lead wrist. Close the lead hand slightly so two to three knuckles show at address.
  2. Trail hand - rotate slightly so the V between thumb and forefinger points to your trailing shoulder.
  3. Clubface - aim clubface 1 to 2 degrees right of target (for a controlled right-to-left draw).
  4. Alignment - feet, hips, shoulders slightly closed (aim 5-10 yards right of target for right-handed player).

Expected outcome: Hands that can rotate through impact, a pre-shot setup that encourages an inside path, and a slightly closed body line to promote the draw shape.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Issue: Over-rotating to a strong grip that forces hooks. Fix: Only move 10 to 20 degrees from neutral; test with small half-swings.
  • Issue: Closed body too much creates pushed shots. Fix: Aim only a few yards right; use alignment stick on ground.

⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 3:

Create and feel an inside-out swing path

Action to take: Practice drills that enforce a shallow, inside-out path.

Why you’re doing it: The inside-out path reduces the out-to-in strike that produces side spin causing a slice. Drills build the muscle memory to swing from the inside.

Commands and examples:

  1. Headcover drill: Place a headcover under your trail armpit. Make slow half swings keeping headcover in place to promote connection and inside takeaway.
  2. Gate drill: Place two tees or alignment sticks forming a gate slightly inside the ball-to-target line. Swing through without hitting the sticks.
  3. Pump drill: Take the club back to waist-high, pump down to hip height three times keeping path inside, then complete the swing.

Expected outcome: A repeatable feel for the club approaching from the inside and releasing through impact. Ball flights that start right of target and curve back left.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Issue: Hitting gate sticks. Fix: Move gate slightly wider; slow down; focus on low-to-high swing arc.
  • Issue: Trail arm tightness dropping headcover. Fix: Soft grip pressure and small swings building tempo.

⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 4:

Control clubface and release mechanics

Action to take: Practice releasing the club through the ball using impact bag drills and slow-motion swings to square and close the face at impact.

Why you’re doing it: Even with an inside-out path, an open clubface will keep the ball slicing. Training a proper release ensures the face is square or slightly closed at impact, imparting draw spin.

Commands and examples:

  1. Impact bag drill: Use an impact bag or a towel on a mat. Make 8-12 strikes focusing on rotating forearms and letting hands pass through so the clubface closes to neutral.
  2. Slow-motion swings: Do 10 swings at 50% speed checking that the clubface is square at the midpoint and slightly closed post-impact.
  3. Check with alignment stick: Place a stick across the target line slightly forward of the ball to see the face angle at impact position in slow swings.

Expected outcome: A sensation of the hands rotating through impact, clubface returning to square or slightly closed, and reduction in slice spin.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Issue: Overactive release producing hooks. Fix: Revert to neutral grip and reduce forearm dominance; use slower tempo.
  • Issue: No feel of release. Fix: Increase repetitions with impact bag, then transfer to ball.

⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 5:

Improve body rotation and sequencing

Action to take: Train proper weight shift and hip rotation so the lower body leads the downswing and the upper body follows.

Why you’re doing it: A slice can come from flipping with the hands because the lower body fails to clear. Proper sequencing promotes an inside path and gives space for the arms to release.

Commands and examples:

  1. Step-drill: Take a small step with your trail foot toward the target as you start the downswing, then plant and rotate the hips open.
  2. Hip bump drill: At the top, feel a small lateral bump of the hips toward the target before rotating.
  3. Medicine ball or towel rotation drill: Hold a light medicine ball or towel and rotate from back to front focusing on hips leading shoulders.

Expected outcome: Better power transfer, inside downswing initiation, and consistent release. Ball starts slightly right and draws back.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Issue: Early extension (standing up). Fix: Keep spine angle, hinge at hips, and maintain flex through impact.
  • Issue: Over-rotating hips too fast. Fix: Slow the rhythm; focus on sequenced turn: hips then torso then arms.

⏱️ ~10 minutes

Step 6:

Drill progression to full shots and on-course application

Action to take: Progress from half swings to full swings, then transfer to the course with target-specific practice and pre-shot routine.

Why you’re doing it: Muscle memory needs to be applied under realistic conditions. Gradual progression stabilizes technique and builds confidence.

Commands and examples:

  1. Half-swing to 3/4 swing to full swing progression: 10 half swings, 10 three-quarter, 20 full swings focusing on path and face.
  2. Target practice: Pick a small target at 150 yards and aim to start ball right of the target and land on it.
  3. Pre-shot routine: Alignment stick for aim, one practice swing feeling release, commit to shot.

Expected outcome: Transfer of draw mechanics into full shots, predictable shape, and better scoring shots from the tee.

Common issues and fixes:

  • Issue: Reverting to slice under pressure. Fix: Shorten pre-shot routine, step into a controlled swing, and use alignment stick to confirm aim.
  • Issue: Over-correcting and pushing ball left. Fix: Reduce grip change slightly; focus on path not aggressive closing.

⏱️ ~10 minutes

Testing and Validation

How to verify it works with checklist:

  1. Record a 12-swing session after practicing the drills for two weeks. Note ball start direction and curvature for each shot. 2. Checklist:
  • 8/12 balls start right of target and curve back left (for right-hander).
  • Clubface at impact appears square or slightly closed on video.
  • Swing path measured or visibly inside-out on down-the-line view.
  • Dispersion reduced compared to initial recordings.

Use launch monitor or shot-tracking app if available. Compare carry distance and side spin numbers; draw shots should show negative side spin (right-to-left spin for right-handers) and reduced spin rate compared to hooked shots. If more than half your shots still slice, return to Step 2 and reinforce grip/setup and Step 3 drills.

Common Mistakes

  1. Changing grip too strong - Rotating hands excessively often produces hooks. Avoid big changes; progress in small increments and test with half-swings.

  2. Forcing the club closed with hands - Overusing wrist flip causes inconsistent contact and hooks. Focus on body rotation and a natural release.

  3. Over-aiming with feet - Closing stance too far left causes pushes or pulls. Aim only 5 to 10 yards right to encourage inside path.

  4. Skipping sequencing work - Relying only on arm drills without fixing hip lead results in temporary improvements. Combine path, face, and body drills each session.

How to avoid them: Make one change at a time, use video, and apply drills in short, focused sessions. Track progress with simple metrics: ball start, curvature, and dispersion.

FAQ

How Long Will It Take to Turn a Slice Into a Draw?

With deliberate practice, many golfers see improvement in 2 to 4 weeks of consistent practice (3 to 4 sessions per week). Full habit change often requires 6 to 8 weeks depending on prior swing ingraining.

Should I Always Use a Stronger Grip to Hit a Draw?

No. A slightly stronger grip helps many slicers, but too strong a grip can create hooks. Start with a small adjustment and evaluate ball flight before increasing change.

Can I Hit a Draw with an Open Clubface at Address?

Yes, you can start with a neutral to slightly open face at address provided your swing path is inside-out and your release closes the face to square at impact. However, most reliable draws come from a square or slightly closed address face relative to body aim.

Are There Specific Clubs Better for Learning a Draw?

Mid-irons and hybrids are easier to shape for learning because they provide more feedback and are more forgiving. Move to woods and driver after you can shape your mid-iron shots reliably.

What Drills are Best to Keep in My Warmup Routine?

Keep a short drill sequence: 6 half-swings with headcover under trail arm, 6 impact-bag strikes, 6 two-thirds swings focusing on hip rotation, then 8 full shots with alignment stick. This primes path, release, and rotation.

Will a Draw Always Give Me More Distance?

Often yes, because draws typically reduce backspin and promote a more penetrating flight, increasing roll. However, excessive hook reduces distance and accuracy, so aim for a controlled draw.

Next Steps

After you can reliably produce a controlled draw on the range, integrate the shot into course play by selecting conservative targets and tracking outcomes. Continue short daily practices: 10 to 15 minutes of drills before a round and one 30-minute focused session weekly. Consider video sessions every two weeks and, if possible, a lesson with a PGA instructor to refine face control and sequencing for faster progress.

Further Reading

Jamie

About the author

Jamie — Founder, SwingX AI (website)

Jamie helps golfers improve their swing technique through AI-powered analysis and proven practice drills that deliver measurable results on the course.

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