One of the most common swing mistakes for the amateur golfer is the slice, an unwelcome shot that creates much side-spin on the ball causing it to cut hard to the side. It is a frustrated golfer who plays a slice and he will find it very hard to correct. Many golfers have bought tools of the trade guaranteed to fix the problem of the slice, but their frustration and disappointment deepen when they find that in most cases nothing is improved.

The fundamental process of fixing a slice lies in both the swing and the body. Research from the University of Southern Carolina has found that there were some specific swing drills that could cure that most horrible of golfing flaws. These broke the swing down into several manageable parts, all to be practiced alone at first to train the body into the right action. This prevents confusion, since it is very difficult for brain and body to process all the information required all at once.

Once the swing is broken into parts, the process is simplified, allowing the golfer to work on the part that needs fixing before implementing that action into his full swing. One of these two drills that were found to work so well is called the toe-in drill. As may be imagined, this drill helps the positioning of the golfer at all times through the swing. The second drill is called the split hand. This assisted the golfer to feel not only the correct release of the club, but also its swing path.

There is a good drill to do in front of the mirror that will help you ascertain your swing path and correct it, especially if you swing from outside-in. Setup as if you were going to hit a ball through the mirror, and take a very slow swing, stopping halfway through the follow through. Can you see your nose? Hopefully not: the club head should have it covered (in the mirror, of course).

You'll have to keep your head up to see this next drill. Take swings while you watch the blur of the club go through your mirrored eyes. This should happen on the follow through too. If it doesn't, adjust your swing until it does.

It is safe to say that if a golfer were to get the correct tuition for his posture and stance in the first place, from professional coaches who know what they are doing, the problem of the slice would be almost eliminated. Many amateurs take their first lessons from their friends who may or may not know the correct procedures. It is also a good idea to ask a coach whether that book or video you were going to purchase is indeed written or developed by someone who is experienced enough to give advice.

It is also important to work on developing core flexibility as well as flexibility in shoulders and limbs. How your swing develops will be to a great extent determined by your posture, which will in turn be determined by your flexibility. When you have developed in this area, you'll see a great improvement in your golf game generally, not just your swing, so it's worth the effort.