Shank Prevention

Prevent Shanks by Swinging Closer to Your Body

Sticks: 1
Config: Together
Focus: Full Swing

Drill Objective

This drill uses the pathpal to guide your swing path closer to your body, preventing shanks and heel strikes by forcing a more inside-out motion.

Set-Up

  1. Place an alignment stick in the 50° angle
  2. Place a headcover on the alignment stick for protection. (optional)
  3. Position the pathpal in front if you, outside the ball , such that the alignment stick is pointing towards you

Instructions

  1. Start with short shots, working up to a bigger swing.
  2. Focus on swinging the club closer to your body to avoid hitting the alignment stick.
  3. Gradually increase your swing length while maintaining the proper path to prevent shanking.

Benefits

Reduce Heel Misses
Improves contact
Preventing Shanks
Mike Barge
Mike Barge
Director of Instruction
Hazeltine National Golf Club
  • 2012: North Dakota Golf Hall of Fame Induction
  • 2019: Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame Induction
  • 1991: Teammate of Payne Stewart at Southern Methodist University

Specific Drill Reviews

""This is my favorite tool of 2025""

Shawn Koch
Shawn Koch Director of Instruction, Athalnta Athletic Club

""[the pathpal has] really improved my teaching and it's really helped my students a lot""

Jason Kuiper
Jason Kuiper Director of Instruction, Bobby Jones Golf Course

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

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

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