Fix Laid Off: The Waiter's Tray
| Target Fault | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Laid Off | Top of Backswing |
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
A trail hand that subtly supports the club from underneath, like holding a tray at a slight angle, gives a more rounded backswing that stays in front of the body. That keeps the club on plane instead of too steep or too laid off, which removes the rerouting that causes inconsistent shots and can help shallow the swing and turn a slice into a draw. Holding the position too consciously through impact can make you stall and flip, so finish each rep focused on the target.
How to Perform the Drill
The coach gives no set rep count. Our general guideline: 3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps, then half swings with a ball, adding speed only once the steps feel natural.
Backswing: Feel like your right hand is subtly holding a tray of drinks, with a slight angle so items might fall off, but not completely flat.
Avoid going all the way to a traditional waiter's completely flat palm under the club: the coach calls that too much.
Place your left hand on top and feel like you're making a more rounded golf swing, staying in front of yourself.
Practice swings: Focus on the feeling of that right hand holding the tray underneath, even without fully gripping the club with the right hand.
Execute the shot: Begin with shorter irons (9, 8, 7 iron) and don't try to hit it too hard.
Focus on the target: When hitting the ball, ensure you're still focused on your target and extending through the ball, not just the 'tray' position.
Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
You get stuck when your lower body outraces your arms in the downswing, trapping the club too far behind you and forcing a block or a flippy snap hook. Fix it by syncing arm speed to your pivot, keeping the trail elbow in front of your torso, and squaring the clubface earlier so you can rotate through without stalling.
Your swing is laid off when the shaft points left of the target at the top instead of parallel to the target line (for a right-hander). Before changing it, check what the club does in transition. If it steepens over the top or drops under, set the wrists up instead of rolling the club, keep the lead elbow down, and tilt the trail hand under the shaft.
Going to the range to practice this drill?
Save your 1 Free AI Swing Analysis Credit now. We'll send your pass and our 2-minute camera setup checklist directly to your phone so you're ready when you step onto the mat.
Already have a swing video on this device? Analyze it now
