Backswing & TakeawayIntermediateFixes: Across the line

GOLF SWING ACROSS THE LINE | Fix OR Eliminate Your Across The Line Look

Curated PGA Drill by GTC Golf Academy

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 GTC Golf AcademyWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

An across-the-line club position is often driven by a dominant trail hand that manipulates the club into the wrong spot. The waiter tray feel keeps the trail wrist soft and extended, prevents the trail hand from taking over, and tucks the trail elbow in nicely, maintaining a better plane and more stable top-of-backswing position for consistent ball striking.

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

    At the top of your backswing, focus on the feeling of holding a waiter or waitress tray with your trail hand.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Keep the tray flat and your trail wrist soft (extended, not cupped or bowed).

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Feel your right elbow tucking nicely into the side of your body as you reach this tray position.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Practice this at 50% speed initially, focusing on the movement and feel rather than ball contact.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Avoid going to 100% intensity early, as this will cause you to revert to your old habits.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Keep the primary focus on the tray sensation at the top of the backswing, even if ball contact isn't perfect initially.

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 planeBlocksHooksSwing plane deviationConsistency

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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