IntermediateFixes: Across the lineTop of Backswing

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

Drill by Coach Andrew Banner

Video demonstration of Fix Your Across The Line Golf Swing (Pizza Tray Wrist Extension)
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Why this drill works

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 do it

  1. 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. 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. 3

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

  4. 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 issues this drill addresses

Across the lineSteep angle of attackHooksBlocksPulled shotsTrail wrist position

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