Nov
27
2008

Grooving a Solid Takeaway

Posted by Double Eagle in Practice Tips

I’d like to share a drill I’ve been using to help get my takeaway where it needs to be to put me in good position to make a solid shot. Keep in mind that this applies to a “conventional” swing. Those of you using a Stack and Tilt or a more rotary type swing will want to tune this one out.

Earlier this year, my pro and I identified a big problem at the start of my swing. At the takeaway, my first move was to drastically pull the club around my body way inside the target line. That put me in a poor position at the top with little hope of putting a consistent move on the ball.

Over the summer, up until the time of my unfortunate knee injury we worked on breaking me of that habit.  My pro gave me this drill to help.  It’s great because you can do it literally anywhere and you don’t even need a club.

To begin, assume your address position with a square stance and get completely into your golf posture with your hands hanging naturally.  Position your left hand exactly like you would if you were gripping a club.  Now, take your right hand and grip it around your left wrist.

From there, begin making a normal back swing turn and stop when your left arm is parallel to the ground (and across your chest).  Now, look at your left arm.  It should appear to be oriented along your foot line.  If you bring it too far inside like I was, it will appear to be on a different angle than your foot line.

Do the drill once a day for 25-50 repetitions.  It only takes a few minutes and can be done first thing in the morning, before bed, or during lunch.  My pro recommended that it be done away from the range when not in the mindset of hitting balls. 

Grooving the first part of the takeaway was just what I needed to start hitting solid, consistent shots.  If you have trouble in that area, I think this drill will help you too.

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There are currently 4 responses to “Grooving a Solid Takeaway”

  1. 1

    Full Golf Swing said:

    Hey Mike!

    That’s a good tip! I personally feel like the takeaway is critical to proper golf swing technique. Get it right and you’re on your way. Get it wrong and there’s minimal chance of good results.

    Way to go!

    Mike

    Posted on November 29th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

  2. 2

    nate said:

    I have the same exact problem, when it gets really bad I’ll have the club head laid off well behind my body (looking down the line from behind) when my hands are barely waist high. The crazy thing is by the time I get to the top the club is in perfect position — if anything I’ll be across the line.

    I’d planned on re upping with my pro for some lessons after the holidays are over, so maybe if I work on this drill between now and then that’ll be one less thing I’ll have to work through with him. (Don’t worry about taking his business, I’ve got more than enough to keep him busy. ^_^)

    And I guess the real moral of the story is (1) what you feel probably isn’t what’s happening, and (2) how good our subconscious is at correcting flaws .. real or perceived.

    Posted on December 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm

  3. 3

    Double Eagle said:

    Good points, Nate. Feel versus real is a big issue for people. I know I’m still surprised at the difference between the two sometimes. Our subconscious is a powerful force in golf. It has the ability to make adjustments that we don’t even realize. Unfortunately, it tends to compensate for flaws instead of actually fixing them. Wouldn’t that be nice, if it just fixed the actual flaw?

    Posted on December 1st, 2008 at 1:46 pm

  4. 4

    Matt said:

    Have to keep the takeaway slow and low. Do it correctly and it will improve your tempo and swing path.

    Posted on December 11th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

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