All golfers have dealt with the frustrations that come from a sliced or hooked shot. For beginning golfers, this terminology may cause confusion. Understanding what a slice and a hook are will help improve your game and diagnose problems with your swing.
Hook
A hook is defined as a ball path that curves back toward the golfer. For right-handed golfers, this translates to shots that curve from right to left, and for left-handed golfers, it is a shot that curves from left to right. A hook is produced when the club is swung on a path that goes from inside the ball to outside, prompting the ball to spin in such a way that it curves back toward the golfer. A mild hook is often referred to as a draw, though there are no specific rules for what constitutes a hook or draw.
Slice
Slices are common for beginning and amateur golfers. A slice is the opposite of a hook, curving the ball away from the golfer. For right-handers, this means the ball will curve from left to right, and for left-handed golfers, the ball will curve from right to left. Slices are from a swing that is traveling from outside the ball to inside on impact. A mild slice is often called a fade. As with a hook, there are no specific rules interpreting slices and fades.
Straight Shots
A straight shot is the result of important variables. The clubface must be square at impact. If the clubface is aimed at a direction other than the swing suggests, the ball will spin, resulting in a slice or hook. If the swing does not come through the ball in a straight line, the ball will slice or hook. Practice a swing that does not force the club on an inside-outside or outside-inside path. The right combination of straight swing path and square clubface will give you a straight shot.
Considerations
Other conditions may affect your ball, causing it to curve and move after you have hit it. If a ball has a deep cut or several scratches, it may cause your ball to have an inconsistent flight path. Always check to see that your ball is in good condition. Wind can significantly affect your ball's flight as well. Often, the wind speed at ground level is different than it is higher in the air, where your ball is traveling. Pay attention to the direction the wind is traveling before hitting your shot.
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