DRILL OVERVIEW

Anthony Kim Checkpoint Drill: Check, Reset and Swing Freely

Your drill at a glance

Long gameDrill category
A clearer swing checkpointBenefit
5 minutesPractice time
2 / 10Difficulty
Golf club + ballsEquipment
Anthony Kim Checkpoint Drill: halfway check, reset and swing through, then complete your round of eighteen.

This drill is from the Golf Practice Made Fun App.

Give yourself one simple checkpoint before you swing. Rehearse the early wrist set, return to address and swing through to a balanced finish without adding extra swing thoughts.

Step 1. Watch the checkpoint drill

Notice the halfway-back position, the return to address and the finished follow-through. Use the sequence as a rehearsal before playing your shot.

Watch the demonstration on YouTube.

Step 2. Check, reset and swing through

Halfway-back checkpoint, return to address and finished follow-through, in that order.

Check halfway back

Halfway backswing with the wrists set and the clubshaft angled upwards.

Take your normal address and rehearse halfway back. Let your wrists hinge early so the clubshaft rises, as shown in the first position. Pause briefly to notice your hands and club. Keep your arms comfortable and avoid forcing a particular angle.

Return to address

Return to address with the clubhead immediately behind the ball.

Bring the club back down to your starting position. Set the clubhead behind the ball, settle your balance and look down at the ball. Reset fully before your next rehearsal or shot. An alignment stick beside the toe line is optional; keep it clear of the club’s path.

Finish your follow-through

Balanced full follow-through with weight on the lead leg, trail heel raised and the club behind the lead shoulder.

Make a smooth, complete swing and let it finish. Turn towards the target, allow your trail heel to rise and finish comfortably over your lead leg. The club comes around behind your lead shoulder. Let the swing carry you there rather than forcing the finish.

Before each shot, rehearse the sequence three times without striking the ball. Check halfway back, reset and make a free practice swing through to the finish. Then play your shot with the same simple feeling. Move the practice swings clear of the ball and reset to hit it afterwards.

For a right-handed golfer, the lead leg is the left; reverse the sides for a left-handed swing.

Your cue: “Check. Reset. Swing freely.”

Watch forTry this
Forcing the wrist setKeep the rehearsal small and comfortable. Use the image as a reference rather than a position to strain towards.
Adding several swing thoughtsUse the single checkpoint, reset and let the full swing flow.
Rushing the resetReturn the clubhead behind the ball and settle before starting again.
Losing balance at the finishReduce your effort and swing at a pace that lets you hold a comfortable finish.

Step 3. Complete your round

Complete your round of 18. One shot. One tick.

What to do

Play eighteen controlled shots. Make three checkpoint rehearsals before each ball.
ScoreWhen to award it
1 pointYou feel the early wrist set and swing freely to a balanced finish.
0 pointsThe attempt does not meet that rule.
Add your points for a total out of eighteen.

George’s Conclusion

George at the practice range.

Use the checkpoint to simplify your practice. Check halfway back, return to address and let the swing finish. Keep the effort comfortable and note whether the routine helps you swing with more freedom.

Try the Collarbone to Collarbone Drill or Hit Hold Check Drill for another simple swing rehearsal.

MAKE THE NEXT BUCKET COUNT

Pick a card. Practise with purpose.

Explore the Golf Practice Made Fun App: Putting, Chipping, Bunker, Wedge play, Long game, Golf fitness and Mind game.