Eliminate Over the Top and Shallow from the Inside-Out

"Up It, Under It" Swing Plane Drill

The drill is designed to teach you the crucial feel of keeping the club on plane during the backswing ("Up It") and then dropping it into the "slot" for a powerful, inside-out delivery ("Under It"). By setting the pathpal to match your natural shaft angle at address, you create an unmistakable visual and physical guide for your club, instantly revealing any deviation from the ideal plane.

Alignment Sticks Required: 1

PathPal Configuration: Split

Full Swing

What It Helps With

Improved Club Path

Consistent chipping

Shallows club

How to Set Up the PathPal

Determine Plane Angle: Take your normal setup with the club you wish to practice (e.g., 7-iron). Identify the angle of the club shaft as it points up from the ball to your hands.
Set pathpal Angle: Adjust the pathpal angle until the alignment stick matches this shaft angle.
Position Device: Place the entire pathpal setup on the ground, slightly behind the ball, so the alignment stick extends directly over the intended swing path and plane line.
Final Check: Take your address position. The alignment stick should run parallel to your club shaft at address, creating a guide for your swing plane.

Step-by-Step Drill Instructions

Backswing Focus ("Up It"): Take slow practice swings without a ball. Focus on taking the club back and ensuring the shaft stays under or parallel to the alignment stick (following it up). Avoid letting the club come too far inside or too steep, which would hit the stick.
Transition & Downswing Focus ("Under It"): From the top of the backswing, initiate the downswing by focusing on dropping the club under the alignment stick.
Feel the Slot: The goal is to feel the club drop into the slot, coming in shallower than the stick, and delivering the club to the ball from the inside.
Execute the Swing: Once you have the feel, hit balls while maintaining the "Up It, Under It" sequence.
Analyze Feedback: If you hit the stick on the backswing, your club is coming off plane too steeply or too much to the outside. If you hit the stick on the downswing, you are coming over the top. Continue until you can smoothly swing up the plane and under the plane without making contact.

Eric Barlow

Director of Instruction

Winchester Country Club

Winchester, MA

Career Journey

2022-2027: Golf Digest's Best Teachers in State

2018: NEPGA Section Teacher of the Year

2016: Mass Chapter Teacher of the Year

Master Professional: PGA Certified in Teaching & Coaching

2016, 2018: Mass Chapter Player of the Year

2025: New England PGA Stroke Play Series Finals

What Golfers Are Saying

"Countless how many applications you can use for it"

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."