We all know that these two handy straight sticks can really help us with our alignment, but so many golfers use them incorrectly. The biggest mistake I see is a golfer aiming a stick on their body line, which is pointing at the target. The most common misconception in the pupils I coach is that we are aiming our body at the target. This is incorrect and can cement some serious faults in your swing. Compensatory movements that sap power and breed inconsistency.
So, if you are using alignment sticks to help with your practice, ensure to set your sticks up as if you are on train tracks. A stick on the target line about a grip behind your ball, then your other stick along your toe line which will be heading parallel, so left for right handers. A stick thrown on the floor and vaguely pointed at the target will cause you to begin to guide the club back across the line, this results in a serious leak in power and inefficient movement.
If you’re a golfer who suffers with alignment issues then you may well have rushed out to buy a set of the best golf alignment sticks and planted them down in your set-up, thinking that’s the answer, I’ve fixed my problem.
In fact, using these sticks means a golfer can get lazy with their set-up. They are practising from a correct position on the golf range, but not actually learning HOW to aim better. They return to the golf course and routinely line up poorly so not a lot changes.
Use the sticks yes, if working on parts of your swing as it stops you misaligning whilst concentrating on another area. For a better routine, set up to different targets, constantly use a stick to check how spot on your aim is. Use them to help you aim at targets across the corner of the practice mat which can be disorientating. But repeatedly go through the routine and get used to what aiming straight feels like. The sticks can be your reference point and act as evidence to reassure you you’re doing it correctly.
There are so many other ways you can use these to help you play better golf. Here are a few ideas.
Place a stick 6” behind the ball to encourage a descending blow, scoop this and you’ll clatter the stick.
(Image credit: Katie Dawkins)
Lose The Scoop
Impact position can sometimes be a tough one to monitor yourself and work on at the range. I love drills that give you feedback and this is one such drill. It can be done with short and longer shots and will ensure you lose the scoop at impact for good.
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly…