The Forward Swing Plane Match

Correct Your Exit Path to Eliminate Slices

Sticks: 1
Config: Together
Focus: Full Swing

Drill Objective

Most golfers focus entirely on the backswing, but the forward swing (the "exit") is what ultimately dictates your ball flight. This drill uses pathpal to help you visualize and feel the correct exit plane, preventing the steep, "out-to-in" motion that causes the ball to curve to the right.

Set-Up

  1. Position the pathpal base unit on your target line, but place it slightly forward of where the ball would be (in the follow-through zone).
  2. Set the padded rod to match your desired swing plane—typically matching the angle used for your backswing, such as 60°.

Instructions

  1. Impact to Exit: Start with the club at your impact position and move slowly into the follow-through.
  2. Match the Shaft: As you swing forward, focus on matching your club shaft to the angle of the pathpal padded rod.
  3. Avoid the "Pull": Ensure the club doesn't move too far to the left or get too vertical (90°) immediately after impact, which indicates an out-to-in path.
  4. Incorporate the Backswing: Once you feel the correct exit, start from a half-backswing, move through impact, and finish by matching the rod on the forward side.
  5. Go Slow: Perform these movements in extreme slow motion to rewire your motor patterns. If you can't do it slowly, you won't be able to do it at full speed.

Benefits

Encourages In-to-Out Path
Improve Swing Plane
Prevent Slices
Brian Jacobs
Brian Jacobs
Teaching Professional
Brian Jacobs Golf
  • 2012-2016: GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional
  • 2020-2021: GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional
  • 2019-2023: Golf Digest Best Teachers in State

""I find myself using it daily which is uncommon for most aids""

Brad Pluth
Brad Pluth PGA Master Professional

""Countless how many applications you can use for it""

Jake Reeves
Jake Reeves Director of Instruction, Fox Den Country club

""Million different ways to use this to help your golf game. I'm really enjoying using it with my students and I hope you grab one and use it as well.""

David Potts
David Potts Director of Instruction, Country Club of the South