Trail Hand Slide Drill (Setup Alignment)
Curated PGA Drill by Chris Ryan Golf
Setup
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Beginner
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
The physical constraint of sliding the hand down the thigh forces the spine to tilt away from the target. This spine tilt sets the shoulders in a closed position at address, which promotes an in-to-out path and encourages the club to approach from the inside.
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
Setup: Tee up the golf ball off your lead heel. Place your trail hand on your thigh, with fingers slightly above your knee (1:03-1:32).
- 2
Step 2
Execution: Slide your trail hand down your thigh until you can just feel the top of your kneecap.
- 3
Step 3
Benefit: This action helps lower your trail shoulder and raise your lead shoulder (spine tilt), ensuring your upper body is behind your lower body, which is the best possible start for an inside-out swing.
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.
