5 SIMPLE GOLF DRILLS WITH ALIGNMENT STICKS TO IMPROVE YOUR ACCURACY!

Summary: 5 Essential Golf Drills Using Alignment Rods

Instructor: Adam Bazalgette – Founder of Scratch Golf Academy

Alignment rods are versatile training tools that help golfers improve aim, takeaway, swing stability, and hip movement. Here are five drills to build and maintain a solid golf swing.


1️⃣ Alignment & Aim Drills

🔹 Basic Version (Intermediate Level)

  • How to Set Up: Place two alignment rods on the ground to form a target line.
  • Key Mistake: Many golfers aim their bodies instead of aligning the club first.
  • Correct Approach:
    ✅ Aim the clubface first.
    ✅ Then, align your body parallel to the clubface.
    ✅ Look up and adjust to train your eye for proper alignment.

🔹 Advanced Version (Inspired by Jack Nicklaus’ Method)

  • Place two rods ahead of the ball, forming an alleyway about two yards forward.
  • Purpose:
    ✅ Helps golfers visualize and align correctly without relying on reminders at setup.
    ✅ Encourages pre-shot routine consistency like on the course.
  • Pro Tip: Step in with your trail foot first for better vision and alignment.

2️⃣ Takeaway & Club Path Drill

  • Common Mistakes:
    ❌ Taking the club too far inside (overuse of hands).
    ❌ Taking the club too far outside (lifting instead of pivoting).
  • Setup:
    ✅ Place one alignment rod at an angle behind you, matching your club’s shaft angle.
    ✅ Place a second rod on the target line.
  • Fix Inside Takeaway:
    ✅ Position the ball slightly outside the rod to encourage a flatter takeaway.
    ✅ Feel less wrist action and let the club stay more in front of you.
  • Fix Outside Takeaway:
    ✅ Position the ball slightly inside the rod to encourage a steeper takeaway.
    ✅ Feel more rotation and avoid lifting with arms.
  • Bonus Tip:
    ✅ If you’re too upright, you’re likely not using your pivot properly.
    ✅ Focus on keeping your arms lower and using a connected turn.

3️⃣ Stability & Body Movement Drill

  • Purpose: Helps you detect unwanted movement during your swing.
  • Setup:
    ✅ Place an alignment rod on the ground parallel to the ball.
    ✅ Position it so the ball is slightly inside the rod.
  • How to Use It:
    ✅ Keep an eye on how the relationship between the ball and rod changes during your swing.
    ✅ If the stick moves too much in your view, you’re likely shifting excessively.
    ✅ Helps improve awareness and control over your movement.

💡 Bonus Use: Great for chip shots & pitch shots to maintain stability.


4️⃣ Hip Movement & Pivot Drill

  • Common Mistake: Excessive lateral hip movement instead of a proper pivot.
  • Setup:
    ✅ Stick an alignment rod in the ground, angled slightly inward near your right ankle.
  • How It Works:
    ✅ If your hip bumps into the rod, you’re swaying laterally.
    Proper pivot: Right glute should move behind you slightly.
    ✅ There should be a small increase in space between your hip and the rod.
  • Fix for Too Much Space:
    Steepen your pivot slightly to avoid an overly flat turn.
    ✅ Focus on rotation rather than shifting.

Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Alignment rods are simple yet powerful tools for improving setup, takeaway, stability, and pivot.
Use these drills consistently to build muscle memory and improve your golf fundamentals.
Stay mindful during practice—don’t just hit shots; focus on the specific movement you’re training.

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