Impact & ReleaseAdvancedFixes: Early Extension

The 'Mini-Me' Drill (Maintaining Tilted Posture)

Curated PGA Drill by Alistair Davies Golf

Focus Area

Impact

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Advanced

Video walkthrough by Alistair Davies GolfWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

Shortening the grip forces a more bent-over address position, which acts as a constraint. This helps the golfer feel the correct combination of shoulder rotation and side bend (right and left tilt) required to maintain the spine angle and 'stay down' through impact.

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

    Grip the club at the very bottom: Hold a mid-iron right at the end of the shaft, almost on the metal (1:27).

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Take a more bent-over address position than usual due to the grip (1:33).

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Focus on shoulder movement: Try to get your left shoulder to the ball and then your right shoulder to the ball (1:40).

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Maintain bent posture: Don't stand up onto your toes. Keep your chest pointing towards the ground during the swing (1:44).

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Feel the tilt: Experience a sensation of right side bending and left side bending as you swing (1:58).

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Make small swings: Perform small swings while holding the club this way, focusing on measuring the ground to get the feeling of maintaining a tilted pelvis and posture (2:17).

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

Impact ConsistencyLoss of PostureStanding Up at ImpactThin Shots

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

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