Understanding the Center of Your Swing
Curated PGA Drill by Danny Maude
Setup/Impact Center
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Beginner
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
Controlling the swing center (under the armpit) is crucial for straight shots [1:58]. Ball position off the lead heel is linked to this center, promoting a high likelihood of a straight hit [2:30]. Hitting left of center results in a slice/pull, while hitting right of center results in a push/hook [1:27, 1:33].
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
Identify your swing's center: It is directly underneath your armpit [1:16].
- 2
Step 2
Ball Position: For straight drives, place the ball consistently off your lead heel [2:23, 2:30].
- 3
Step 3
Weight Distribution: Start with weight evenly distributed [3:05].
- 4
Step 4
Spine Tilt: Place the driver in the middle of your stance, then tilt slightly so the clubhead points at your lead heel [3:32, 3:49].
- 5
Step 5
Visualization: Practice small swings focusing on bringing the clubhead back right underneath your lead shoulder [8:18].
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
A hook happens because your clubface is closed relative to your swing path at impact. Fix it by neutralizing a too-strong grip, stopping your hands from rolling the face shut through impact, and correcting an excessive in-to-out path or a trail arm that gets stuck behind your body in the downswing.
Fix golf posture by hinging from the hips, not rounding the upper back (C-posture) or over-arching the lower back (S-posture), with a neutral spine tilted over the ball. Then train yourself to keep that tilt through impact, because posture you lose mid-swing costs you the same strikes as posture you never had.
