Get Your Swing Path On Track To Improve Your Game
Spring is in the air, and with it comes the optimism that this will be the year you finally take your golf game to the next level. But where should you focus your attention?
At its core, golf is a game of moving the ball from point A (where it lies) to point B (your target). To do this effectively, you need to control two key elements:
- Centered Contact – Striking the ball near the center of the clubface is crucial for consistent distance control. Golf is a game of partial shots, and better contact allows you to predict and manage how far your ball will fly.
- Start Line & Shot Shape – To get the ball from A to B successfully, you need to control its starting direction and its curvature. Golfers who can consistently strike the ball cleanly, start it on the correct line, and control its curve will see the biggest improvements in their scores.
The two primary factors that influence ball striking are club path and clubface control. Many golfers struggle with controlling the path of their club, which plays a major role in their ability to hit solid, predictable shots. To help you refine your swing path and improve your ball striking, here are two of my favorite drills:
Drill 1: Learn to Trace a Straight Line Baseline
Setup:
- Place two alignment rods on the ground, one about a foot in front of the ball and one a foot behind it. Both rods should be in line with each other and your target.
- Take a mid-iron and insert an alignment rod into your grip so that half extends down the shaft while the other half extends beyond the butt end of the grip.
Execution:
- Address the ball and follow this key rule: at all times, either the sweet spot of your club or the butt end of your grip should point at the straight-line baseline, except when the shaft is parallel to the ground. Imagine a laser beam projecting from both ends of the club, tracing the baseline.
- Slowly swing the club back and through, focusing on keeping your movement aligned with the baseline. This repetition trains your brain and body to move the club along the correct path.
- Once comfortable, remove the alignment rod from your grip and repeat the drill with just the club.
- Gradually progress to hitting balls, start at 50% speed and build up to full speed while maintaining the correct motion.
With consistent practice, this drill will help you swing on a better plane, leading to improved contact and directional control.
Drill 2: Learn to Swing Under the Alignment Rod
Setup:
- Stick an alignment rod into the ground several feet behind the ball, angling it approximately 20 degrees down your target line. The rod should extend over the ball by a few inches.
Execution:
-
- Take small swings, focusing on bringing the club from the inside and striking the ball cleanly while avoiding the alignment rod.
- If your club moves on an incorrect outside-to-in path, it will crash into the rod before reaching the ball. The goal is to groove a proper inside-to-out path, allowing you to approach the ball from the right angle.
- Once you can consistently swing under the rod without making contact, refine your clubface alignment to control your start line and shot curvature more effectively.
By mastering these two drills, you’ll gain better control over your club path, leading to cleaner ball striking and more predictable shots. Commit to practicing them regularly, and you’ll start seeing improvements in your swing, and your scores this season!
Final Thoughts
Developing a consistent and reliable swing path takes time and focused effort. These drills provide a clear framework for improving your ball striking, start line, and shot shape. Stick with them, and soon enough, you’ll see measurable progress in your game!
(@davidwkuhn / www.davidkuhngolf.com) is founder of the Kuhn Golf Academy in McMurray, Pennsylvania. A master instructor certified in all phases of the game, his record of success with golfers of all skill levels spans more than twenty years. He is particularly well-known for his work with juniors, coaching individuals and teams to peak performance in high school and collegiate championship golf.
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