Backswing & TakeawayBeginnerFixes: Outside takeaway

Hands IN Club OUT | Achieve The Perfect Golf Takeaway | Golf Tips

Curated PGA Drill by David Leathem Golf

Focus Area

Takeaway

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Beginner

Video walkthrough by David Leathem GolfWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

An outside takeaway usually starts with the hands pushing away from the body while the chest stays passive. The hands-in, club-out feel keeps the handle connected to the turn, preserves width, and sets the shaft in a place that is easier to shallow later.

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

    Set up normally and make slow motion takeaway rehearsals without a ball first.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Feel the hands work slightly inward with the chest while the clubhead stays just outside the hands early.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Add a small upward wrist set once the club reaches trail thigh height so the shaft does not get shoved outside the line.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Stop when the lead arm is parallel and check that the clubface still matches your spine tilt instead of looking laid open.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Blend the motion into half-swings before moving to full speed.

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

Outside takeawayOpen faceSteep transitionAcross the line

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Stop Coming Over the Top

Coming over the top happens when your shoulders spin open in transition before your arms drop the club into the slot, dragging it across the target line. Stop it by delaying the shoulder turn, letting your arms fall vertically first, and feeling the club approach from inside the ball-to-target line.

Not sure this is your real fault?

Upload one swing video and our AI will identify whether outside takeaway 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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