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DRILL OVERVIEW
Alignment-stick setup check
Your drill at a glance
This drill is from the Golf Practice Made Easy App.
This alignment-stick drill gives every shot a clear starting point. Aim the clubface first, then set your feet, hips and shoulders parallel to the target line.
Watch how to aim your club and body
Watch Golf Distillery’s explanation of the railway-track relationship: the ball-to-target line is one rail, and your body line is the other. The App version uses one stick beside your feet as a quick setup check. Watch the demonstration.Step 1. Pick your target
Choose a clear target. Lay one stick flat beside your feet, parallel to the target line.
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Choose your target | Pick a flag, marker or other clear target. Stand behind the ball and identify the line from the ball to the target. |
| Aim the clubface first | Set the clubface square to your chosen target line before arranging your stance. |
| Lay the stick beside your feet | Place one stick flat beside your toe line, parallel to the ball-to-target line. Keep it clear of the ball and clubhead. Your feet line is the other railway track; it sits beside the target line rather than pointing directly at the flag. |
Your cue: “Target. Clubface. Stick.”
Step 2. Check your body
Check feet, hips and shoulders. Take a smooth swing without steering the club.
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Check your feet | Set your feet parallel to the alignment stick using your normal, comfortable stance. |
| Check hips and shoulders | Check that your hips and shoulders follow the same general direction as your feet. Avoid forcing your shoulders into position. |
| Swing smoothly | Once you have checked your setup, hit one normal iron shot. Trust your usual smooth swing rather than trying to steer the ball. |
Quick setup checks
| Watch for | Try this |
|---|---|
| Feet aimed straight at the flag | Check the two parallel rails. Your feet line sits to the side of the ball-to-target line. |
| Shoulders open despite square feet | Reset your upper body and rehearse the setup without hitting a ball. |
| Changing your target halfway through | Choose one target before addressing the ball and commit to it for the shot. |
| Steering the club to make a straight shot | Complete the alignment check, then make your usual smooth swing. Review the setup separately from the result. |
Step 3. Reset and repeat
Repeat the full routine for 18 shots: two sets of nine. Count routines completed.
Step away after each shot. Choose the target again, aim the clubface and check your body line before playing the next ball. Count complete setup routines rather than treating ball flight as a pass or fail.
The eighteen-shot round is our App practice format. The video explains the technique.
In the Golf Practice Made Easy App, tick one box under Score your practice after each completed shot. Record your complete setup routines separately.
George’s Conclusion
This alignment-stick drill builds a better setup before you swing.
Choose the target, aim the face and use the stick to check your body line. Once you have checked it, trust your normal swing. Take the same sequence onto the course without the stick. For a different setup exercise, try the Club Face Alignment Setup Drill.
MAKE THE NEXT BUCKET COUNT
Pick a card. Practise with purpose.
