Slice Fix System: Closed Shoulders & 7 O'Clock Entry
Curated PGA Drill by Rick Shiels Golf
Setup/Path
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Beginner
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
The combination of closed shoulders (aiming the swing path right) and a right heel load promotes an in-to-out swing path. By aiming for the seven o'clock entry angle with a closed face, you force the swing path to the right of the target line, which neutralizes the out-to-in slice path and results in a desired curve to the left (draw).
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Setup Adjustment: Align the ball with your left heel. Encourage a slight upper body tilt to the right with even weight distribution (2:01-2:20).
- 2
Step 2
Close Shoulders: Rotate your right shoulder back so your shoulders are closed, aiming to the right compared to your feet (2:26-2:41).
- 3
Step 3
Backswing Rotation: Create a swing with more rotation, shifting your weight onto your right heel (2:51-3:01).
- 4
Step 4
Targeted Entry (Drill): Use a 'practice word' or a range ball and slant it to the seven o'clock position (5:23-5:37).
- 5
Step 5
Execution: Aim to hit the practice word from the seven o'clock position with a closed club face. This changes your typical entry from five o'clock to seven o'clock (5:01-5:57, 7:10-7:14).
What Good Feels Like
Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
A slice comes from an open clubface relative to an out-to-in swing path at impact. Fix it by neutralizing a weak grip, adding shoulder tilt at address, and shallowing your downswing so the club approaches from the inside instead of over the top: that squares the face to a path that no longer cuts across the ball.
Coming over the top happens when your shoulders spin open in transition before your arms drop the club into the slot, dragging it across the target line. Stop it by delaying the shoulder turn, letting your arms fall vertically first, and feeling the club approach from inside the ball-to-target line.
