Backswing & TakeawayIntermediateFixes: Across the line

Fix Your Across The Line Golf Swing (Pizza Tray Wrist Extension)

Drill by Coach Andrew Banner
Fix Your Across The Line Golf Swing (Pizza Tray Wrist Extension) execution specification and feel summary
Target FaultFocus Area
Across the lineTop of Backswing
Video walkthrough by Coach Andrew Banner · drill starts at 1:53Watch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

When the trail wrist stays neutral or bowed at the top, the club runs across the line and forces the golfer to either steepen (over-the-top) or shallow excessively (stuck) to return to plane. Trail wrist extension (pizza tray feel) keeps the clubhead behind the hands and deeper, preventing the across-the-line position and allowing a more consistent, inside-to-out delivery.

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.

  1. Identify the cause: at the top of your backswing, check if your trail wrist is in a neutral or bowed (palmar flexed) position — this often contributes to the club getting across the line.

  2. The Pizza Tray Feel: reach the top of your backswing and focus on holding a pizza tray with your trail hand. This sensation encourages trail wrist extension (dorsiflexion), moving the clubhead deeper and behind your hands.

  3. Pause at the top: ensure you have that pizza tray feel, then bring your arms down to impact.

  4. The Result: with the trail wrist extended, you maintain a better plane that allows you to swing from inside-to-out at impact and remove unnecessary compensation variables.

Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed

Across the line →Steep angle of attackHooks →BlocksPulled shotsTrail wrist position

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Fix an Across-the-Line Backswing

Your backswing is across the line when the shaft points right of the target at the top (for a right-handed golfer). It usually comes from the arms swinging on after the body stops turning, a trail wrist that isn't extended, or a flying trail elbow. Stop the arms where the turn ends, extend the trail wrist, and keep the trail elbow folded down.

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