Backswing & TakeawayIntermediateFixes: Flat swing plane

Fix Flat Backswing: Hinge and Twist

Curated PGA Drill by Greg Smith Golf Coach

Focus Area

Backswing

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by Greg Smith Golf CoachWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

This drill helps you feel the vertical hinge and proper wrist movement (abduction/thumbs up) to set the club in a more vertical position. This creates more face control and consistency by reducing excessive face rotation.

How to Perform the Drill

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Hinge the club up (creating a vertical angle with the shaft).

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Twist to the top (ensuring body turn is integrated).

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Play the shot.

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

Flat backswingFace ControlWrist Hinge

Not sure this is your real fault?

Upload one swing video and our AI will identify whether flat swing plane is actually what's costing you strokes, using physics-backed metrics and a practice plan matched to what it finds. Your first analysis is free.

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