Fix Your Slice in 5 Minutes - Rick Shiels' Quick Method

That frustrating slice that sends your ball curving right (or left for lefties) doesn't have to ruin your round. Rick Shiels, PGA Professional with over 2.5 million YouTube subscribers, has a simple, effective method that can help you fix your slice quickly.

Unlike complex technical explanations, Rick's approach focuses on one key change that makes the biggest difference. This guide breaks down his method so you can implement it immediately.

You'll learn:

• The single most important fix for most slicers
• Why this simple change works
• How to practice it effectively
• What to expect as you improve

Let's get straight to the solution.

What Causes a Golf Slice?

A slice happens when your clubface is open relative to your swing path at impact. For right-handed golfers, this creates left-to-right spin that curves the ball dramatically.

The Simple Explanation:

Think of it like this: if you're swinging across the ball (outside-in) with an open clubface, you're creating maximum slice spin. The fix? Change your swing path to come from inside-out, and square your clubface.

Why Most Golfers Slice:

1. Coming over the top - Starting the downswing with your shoulders instead of your lower body
2. Weak grip - Hands rotated too far left, making it hard to square the face
3. Poor setup - Standing too close or too far, affecting your swing path

The good news? These are all fixable with Rick's simple method.

Key Takeaways from Rick Shiels' Method

Rick's approach emphasizes simplicity:

• One key change - Focus on one thing at a time, not everything at once
• Swing from inside - The path is more important than the clubface
• Use your body - Let your lower body lead the downswing
• Practice with purpose - Quality over quantity
• Be patient - Change takes time, but you'll see improvement quickly

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Fix Your Grip (The Foundation)

What to do:

1. Place your left hand on the club so you can see 2-3 knuckles when you look down
2. Your right hand should cover your left thumb
3. Both "V's" should point toward your right shoulder

Why it works: A stronger grip makes it easier to square the clubface naturally. You won't have to manipulate your wrists.

Common mistake: Going too strong and creating a hook. Find the middle ground.

Step 2: Set Up for Success

What to do:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
2. Ball position: just inside your left heel for driver
3. Tilt your spine slightly away from the target
4. Feel balanced and athletic

Why it works: Proper setup makes it easier to swing from inside-out. You're setting yourself up for success before you even start.

Common mistake: Standing too close to the ball, forcing an outside-in path.

Step 3: Start Down with Your Lower Body

What to do:

1. Begin your downswing by shifting your weight to your left side
2. Let your hips rotate first
3. Your arms and club will follow naturally
4. Feel like you're swinging around your body

Why it works: Starting with your lower body creates an inside-out path automatically. Your arms don't have to do anything special.

Common mistake: Starting with your shoulders or arms, which creates an outside-in path.

Step 4: Keep Your Right Elbow Close

What to do:

1. As you swing down, keep your right elbow close to your body
2. Feel like you're swinging around your body, not across it
3. Let your body rotation square the clubface

Why it works: Keeping your elbow close promotes an inside-out path and prevents coming over the top.

Common mistake: Letting your right elbow fly out, which creates an outside-in path.

Step 5: Finish High and Around

What to do:

1. Continue rotating through impact
2. Finish with your belt buckle facing the target
3. Your follow-through should be high and around your body

Why it works: A proper finish confirms you've swung correctly. If you finish high and around, you've likely swung from inside-out.

Common mistake: Finishing low or falling off balance, indicating a poor swing path.

Drills to Practice This Technique

Drill 1: The "Feel" Drill

Equipment: Your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Take your normal setup
2. Make slow, exaggerated swings focusing on starting with your lower body
3. Feel your hips clearing before your arms come through
4. Gradually increase speed as the feeling becomes natural

Reps: 20-30 slow swings, then 10-15 at normal speed

Success marker: You feel your body leading the swing, not your arms.

Drill 2: Right Elbow Tuck Drill

Equipment: Your driver

How to do it:

1. Place a towel under your right armpit
2. Make swings keeping the towel in place
3. This forces you to keep your right elbow close
4. Focus on swinging around your body

Reps: 15-20 swings

Success marker: The towel stays in place throughout your swing.

Drill 3: Alignment Stick Path Drill

Equipment: Alignment stick, your driver

How to do it:

1. Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing at your target
2. Place another stick 6 inches inside (closer to you)
3. Practice swinging so your clubhead stays between the sticks
4. This trains an inside-out path

Reps: 20-30 swings

Success marker: Your clubhead stays between the sticks on the downswing.

Common Mistakes When Trying This Fix

1. Trying to fix everything at once - Focus on one thing. Master it, then move on.

2. Swinging too hard - Speed comes from technique, not effort. Slow down and focus on the correct path.

3. Not practicing enough - You need to ingrain the new movement. Practice 2-3 times per week minimum.

4. Giving up too soon - You'll hit some bad shots while learning. That's normal. Stick with it.

5. Ignoring your grip - The grip is the foundation. If it's wrong, everything else is harder.

Quick Troubleshooting:

• Still slicing? Check your grip first—it's usually the culprit.
• Hooking now? Your grip might be too strong. Dial it back slightly.
• Hitting it straight but short? Focus on generating more speed through proper rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I see results?

Most golfers see improvement within a few practice sessions. However, completely eliminating the slice typically takes 3-4 weeks of consistent practice. The key is quality practice, not just hitting balls.

Do I need to change my equipment?

No. While equipment can help (like a draw-biased driver), technique is 90% of the solution. Fix your swing first, then consider equipment changes if needed.

Should I practice with my driver or irons?

Start with your 7-iron. It's easier to control and will help you feel the correct path. Once comfortable, move to longer clubs and finally your driver.

What if I'm still slicing after trying this?

If you're still slicing after 3-4 weeks:

1. Double-check your grip—this is the most common issue
2. Record your swing and compare it to the instruction
3. Consider a lesson with a PGA professional
4. Make sure you're practicing correctly, not just hitting balls

Can I fix my slice without lessons?

Yes! Many golfers fix their slice using online instruction and focused practice. However, if you're struggling, a lesson can provide personalized feedback.

Summary: Your Quick Action Plan

Rick Shiels' method is simple but effective:

The Key Points:

• Fix your grip first (2-3 knuckles visible)
• Start your downswing with your lower body
• Keep your right elbow close
• Swing around your body, not across it

Your Practice Plan:

• Week 1: Focus on grip and setup. Use the feel drill.
• Week 2: Add the right elbow tuck drill. Focus on path.
• Week 3: Use alignment sticks. Combine all elements.
• Week 4: Hit balls with focus on technique, not distance.

Remember: Change takes time, but you'll see improvement quickly if you practice correctly. Focus on one thing at a time, and be patient with yourself.

The slice doesn't have to ruin your game. Start with your grip today, and commit to consistent practice. You've got this.

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