Single-Arm Drop Drill (Stop OTT)
Curated PGA Drill by Mark Crossfield
Transition
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
The single-arm swing makes the shoulders stutter, forcing them to hold their 'closed' position longer. This allows the club and arms to naturally drop onto a shallower, inside path, curing the over-the-top move.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Address the ball (do not hit).
- 2
Step 2
Go to the top of your backswing and stop.
- 3
Step 3
Drop your trail hand off and drop it down behind you.
- 4
Step 4
Swing as hard as you can with only your lead hand and arm.
- 5
Step 5
Use as a practice swing before hitting a shot.
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
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
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.
Fat shots happen when the low point of your swing bottoms out behind the ball instead of in front of it. The usual culprits are hanging back on your trail foot, casting the club early, or losing posture in the downswing. Shift your weight forward before impact and keep the shaft leaning toward the target at contact to move the low point where it belongs.
