"Sway Stopper" Trail Leg Barrier Drill

Master Backswing Stability: Eliminate Lateral Movement and Convert Motion into Powerful, Centered Rotation.

Sticks: 1

Config: Split

Focus: Full Swing

Drill Objective

Are you plagued by sway—the lateral shifting of your lower body away from the target during the backswing? Sway is a power killer that makes solid contact inconsistent. PGA Master Professional Eric Barlow's solution is simple: create an immovable barrier outside your trail leg. By placing the pathpal at a 90-degree angle, you are forced to rotate your body around your trail hip rather than sliding away from it. This builds the stable, centered foundation necessary for a powerful downswing.

Set-Up

Set pathpal Angle: Adjust the pathpal hinge to a strict 90-degree angle so it stands straight up.
Determine Placement: Take your normal address and note the position of your trail leg (back leg).
Position Device: Place the pathpal device on the ground, just outside the trail leg (where your foot is). Ensure it is close enough that your trail hip will strike it if you slide, but far enough not to impede a proper turn.
Final Check: The pathpal acts as an immediate physical constraint preventing any outward sway.

Instructions

Practice Swings - Focus on Rotation: Take slow practice swings without a ball. Focus on initiating the backswing by turning and winding your hips and torso, rather than shifting them laterally.
Avoid the Barrier: The absolute key objective is to make the backswing without making contact with the pathpal.
Feel the Anchor: Feel your trail leg acting as a stable pillar or anchor for your rotation. If you feel your hip moving into the pathpal, you are swaying.
Execute the Swing: Once the rotational movement feels smooth and centered, and you consistently miss the pathpal, hit golf balls with the same focus.
Analyze Feedback: A successful swing will be stable and centered, and your trail hip will turn cleanly around the pathpal device, building a solid top-of-backswing position.

Benefits

Consistent chipping

Prevent Swaying

Eric Barlow

Director of Instruction

Winchester Country Club

2022-2027: Golf Digest's Best Teachers in State
2018: NEPGA Section Teacher of the Year
2016: Mass Chapter Teacher of the Year

""The reason I like [the pathpal] is because it's super versatile""

Cody Carter Head of Player Development, Druid Hills Golf Club

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

Jason Kuiper Director of Instruction, Bobby Jones Golf Course

""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.""