5 O'Clock Arm Drop Drill (Inside-Out Path)
Curated PGA Drill by Chris Ryan Golf
Transition
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
This drill forces the arms and club to drop onto a shallow plane and approach from the inside, preventing the lead arm from getting pinned against the chest. By delaying the shoulder turn and dropping the club to the 5 o'clock line, it eliminates the upper body spinning out and corrects the outside-to-in swing path.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Setup (Visual): Take your address with your driver and visualize yourself in a clock face, with the golf ball at 12 o'clock. Place a second golf ball or object at the 5 o'clock position (out behind you) (2:03-2:18).
- 2
Step 2
Execution (Drop): At the top of your backswing, keep your shoulders in place and let your hands, arms, and club drop down towards the 5 o'clock position (2:30-2:59). This movement should reveal the logo on your shirt.
- 3
Step 3
Practice: From this dropped position, turn your body and hit the golf ball directly out to the right of your target (3:00-4:59).
What Good Feels Like
Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.
Common Mistake to Avoid
Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
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