Fixing the Slice: A TPI-Certified Performance Physical Therapist’s Approach
If you’re a golfer plagued by the dreaded slice, trust me you're not alone. You've probably tried every swing tip under the sun, from reading books, watching YouTube videos and every other resource you can get your hands on. But here’s the truth: many swing faults—especially slicing—stem from physical limitations, not just technique. As a TPI-certified performance physical therapist, I often see the body as the root cause of flawed swing mechanics.
We will unpack how physical dysfunction contributes to an over-the-top move and open clubface—the two main culprits behind a slice—and how to assess, correct, and train for a more neutral path and clubface.
The Physical Cause Behind the Slice
A slice typically results from:
An out-to-in swing path (over-the-top move)
An open clubface at impact
What causes these? Often:
Limited thoracic rotation
Poor hip mobility
Lack of pelvic disassociation
Weak core and glute control
Improper sequencing
“The body swings the club.” If the body can’t move correctly, the swing compensates.
Step 1: TPI Screening – Identify the Faults Behind the Fault
Before prescribing drills or exercises, assess key patterns using the TPI screen.
Most Common Screen Failures in Slicers:
TPI Test
Why It Matters
Pelvic Rotation Test
Poor disassociation leads to upper body dominance and over-the-top motion.
Torso Rotation Test
Lack of thoracic rotation causes early extension and cuts across the ball.
Seated Trunk Rotation
Highlights spinal mobility deficits that affect backswing loading and downswing path.
Lat Length Test
Tight lats restrict backswing depth and lead to casting.
Single-Leg Balance
Essential for stable lower body during rotary movement.
Step 2: Mobility Fixes to Unlock Rotation
Most slicers lack rotational freedom. To fix the slice, improve thoracic spine, hip, and shoulder mobility.
Thoracic Spine:
Open Books (with breathwork)
Quadruped T-Spine Rotations
Foam Roller Extensions (arms overhead)
Hips:
90/90 Hip Rotations
Banded Hip Distractions
Pigeon Stretch (for trail-side ER)
Shoulders & Lats:
Wall Slides
Lat Foam Rolling + Overhead Reach
Sleeper Stretch (trail arm control)
Step 3: Stability & Sequencing
Mobility alone won’t fix the slice if your body can't control motion or sequence properly.
Core & Pelvis Control:
Dead Bug Progressions
Pallof Press with Rotation
Bird Dogs (focus on rib/pelvis connection)
Glute Activation:
Mini Band Lateral Walks
Single-Leg Glute Bridges
Step-Ups with Rotation
Rotational Control:
Cable Rotations with Stability
Half-Kneeling Chop/Lift Patterns
Anti-Rotation Holds
Step 4: Integrate with Swing Mechanics
Once mobility and stability are improved, the swing needs to be re-trained.
Work with a teaching pro to:
Encourage an inside-out path
Promote proper lead wrist position (neutral to flexed at impact)
Teach trail-side loading and sequencing
Tools to Reinforce:
Alignment sticks (for visual path awareness)
Impact bag (to feel square face)
Swing drills like:
Pump Drill
“Stick Behind Trail Hip” Drill
Split-Grip Inside Path Swings
Sample Corrective Flow for a Slicer
T-Spine Open Books – 2 sets of 10/side
90/90 Hip Rotations – 2 sets of 8/side
Dead Bug + Reach – 3 sets of 6
Pallof Press + Rotation – 2 sets of 10/side
Cable Chop + Step – 2 sets of 8
Swing Intent Drill – slow-to-fast reps w/ feedback
Final Thought: Don’t Just Fix the Swing—Fix the Body
If your client is slicing the ball, don’t just chase swing fixes—look at their movement first. The slice is often compensation for a mobility, stability, or sequencing issue. As a TPI-certified PT we will identify the limitations, provide corrections to those root causes so your golfers can swing freely and powerfully without compensations.
Ready to stop slicing for good? Hop on our schedule and lets get you hitting a nice tight draw shortly.
