Which would you prefer: to have four over par on your scorecard, or hear a shout of “Fore!”? The answer is obvious. Golfers undoubtedly want their score to improve over previous rounds of play. But the reality is that if you’ve been slicing the ball in previous rounds, you’ll probably continue to do it unless you take corrective measures. But, you can get better, provided you figure out what is causing you to slice the ball in the first place.

To get a handle on the reason for your slice, you need to understand how your club is lining up with the ball. The most important thing you can do is relax. Slices often happen as a result of overcompensating your drive, and they tend to occur from the tee. The best strategy to discover how you’re slicing the ball is to place your club face in line with the ball. The club’s rounded bottom is meant to assist in driving the ball with a great deal of force.

Because the clubface is designed specifically with this rounded spot, it’s important to ensure that the ball is properly aligned. You have the best chance of correcting your game if you play with a friend that can analyze the placement of your swing as you hit the ball. This is crucial unless you are able to go to a pro golf shop or driving range with the proper technology to analyze your swing and give you feedback about your mistakes.

To get drive the ball a sufficient distance, you must hit the ball straight down the fairway. You will make some contact on the driving range, but without proper swing through on the entire course, your game will continue to decline. Remember to hold a solid stance, and avoid lifting your leg like a baseball player. This will only throw you off balance.

There is an age-old trick that most people do not know about. In golf, your drive should have all the distance juiced out of the ball so you finish up with your short game and save par. Those who know how to power a golf ball down the fairway have a huge advantage over those who spend their time camping out in the woods looking for their lost ball.

The best method to hit a straight ball is to drive it while on your knees. Now I know it sounds silly but if you have ever tried it then you know that it’s virtually impossible for you to lift one knee off the ground while you hit the ball. Your arms are straighter and you are close enough to the ball you can feel the fluid motion it takes.

If you try this a few times, you will know what a proper swing feels like. Your body should not twist and aim your ball in any direction but straight down the fairway. You can practice the same movement while standing on your feet.

After you’ve mastered the steps that will keep your ball on the fairway, you’ll find that you hit it there each and every time. Of course, you won’t be making two hundred yard drives from a kneeling position, but you won’t be driving like this forever. Enlist a friend to help with your aim, and keep in mind that you shouldn’t look up too soon; otherwise all you’ll get is an eye full of a bad shot.