Backswing & TakeawayIntermediateFixes: Across the line

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

Curated PGA Drill by Coach Andrew Banner

Focus Area

Top of Backswing

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by Coach Andrew BannerWatch 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

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

  1. 1

    Step 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

    Step 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

    Step 3

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

  4. 4

    Step 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.

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

Across the lineSteep angle of attackHooksBlocksPulled shotsTrail wrist position

Not sure this is your real fault?

Upload one swing video and our AI will identify whether across the line 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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