Impact & ReleaseIntermediateFixes: Heel contact

Outer Ball Gate Heel Contact Prevention Drill

Curated PGA Drill by PGA

Focus Area

Impact

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by PGAWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

Prevents hand path drift away from the body during downswing, forcing arms to clear close to torso.

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

    Place a tee or headcover 1/2 inch outside the toe of your club at address.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Address the inner target ball normally.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Make full swings without striking the outer obstacle.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    If hands push out toward the ball, club strikes outer obstacle, providing immediate feedback.

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

Heel strikeShankOff-centre contactHosel miss

Not sure this is your real fault?

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