Most right-handed golfers struggle with a slice. They try to force the clubface closed with their hands, arms, and shoulders — and the ball still curves hard to the right.
After more than 100,000 lessons, Top 50 instructor Don Peterson found a better way. Instead of fighting the slice with the wrong muscles, he teaches golfers to use a simple baseball concept: the Opposite Field Drill.
In baseball, when a right-handed hitter wants to drive the ball to right field (the opposite field), they turn their hips and deliberately leave the bat back. They don’t try to force the barrel out in front. That same feeling, applied to golf, creates an inside-out path and lets centrifugal force square the clubface naturally.
Why Most Golfers Slice
When a golfer swings over the top (outside-in), the bottom of the swing arc moves too far toward the lead side. The clubface has no chance to close in time. Golfers then try to “flip” or manipulate the face with their hands, which only makes the problem worse.
Peterson’s approach removes the need for manipulation. By feeling like you’re hitting the ball to “right field,” you change the path and the location of the low point. Centrifugal force then does the work of squaring the face.
How to Perform the Opposite Field Drill
- Set up normally to a mid-iron or driver.
- Make your normal backswing.
- On the downswing, feel like you are leaving the club behind you — the same sensation a baseball player uses when trying to hit to the opposite field.
- Turn your hips aggressively while keeping the feeling that the club is lagging and traveling toward “right field.”
- Allow the clubface to flip over on its own through impact. Do not force it with your hands.
- Finish balanced and notice where the ball starts and curves.
The correct feeling is that you are swinging the path inside-out and almost “hitting it to right field.” Because the weight of the clubhead is on the outside of the shaft, centrifugal force will rotate the face closed as it approaches the ball — producing a straighter shot or a controlled draw.
What Changes When You Do It Correctly
- Your swing path moves from outside-in toward inside-out.
- The bottom of the swing arc shifts closer to the center (or slightly toward the trail side), giving the clubface time to close.
- You stop using the right shoulder, right elbow, and right hand to force the face closed.
- The club releases more naturally through impact.
- Many golfers see their big slice turn into a fade or even a gentle draw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to “pull” the ball back to the left with the arms and shoulders (the opposite of the drill).
- Forcing the clubface closed with the hands instead of letting centrifugal force do the work.
- Keeping the same outside-in path while only changing the face — this creates a pull-hook or blocked shot.
- Making the move only with the arms instead of leading with the hips.
How This Fits the Miyagi For Golf & Baseball Golf Methods
The Opposite Field Drill is a core concept from Don Peterson’s Baseball Golf system and is taught inside the full Miyagi For Golf program. The philosophy is consistent: use athletic movements golfers already understand (from baseball, throwing, or other sports) and let natural forces — especially centrifugal force — do the heavy lifting.
Instead of teaching endless technical positions, Peterson focuses on feelings and sequence that produce better results with less conscious effort.
Practice Suggestions
- Start with half-swings using a mid-iron, exaggerating the “leave it back / hit to right field” feeling.
- Progress to three-quarter and full swings once the path improves.
- Film from a down-the-line view to confirm the path is moving more inside-out.
- Combine this drill with the Pickle Drill (weight transfer and change of direction) for better overall sequence.
Watch the original teaching:
Fix Your Slice with This Baseball Trick – Don Peterson’s Opposite Field Drill (YouTube)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Opposite Field Drill in golf?
A baseball-inspired drill that teaches golfers to swing on an inside-out path by feeling like they are hitting the ball to the opposite field, allowing centrifugal force to square the clubface.
Who created this drill?
PGA Top 50 instructor Don Peterson as part of his Baseball Golf and Miyagi For Golf teaching systems.
Will this stop my slice?
Many golfers see significant improvement because the drill corrects the path and removes the need to manipulate the face with the hands. Results depend on consistent practice and proper execution.
Ready to Fix Your Slice for Good?
Want the complete system of drills, sequence training, and tools delivered to your home? Explore the full Miyagi For Golf online course or book in-person lessons in the Atlanta area.