Vertical Swing Plane

Optimize Attack Angle and Spin for Crisp Wedge Shots

Sticks: 1

Config: Together

Focus: Short game

Drill Objective

This drill utilizes the pathpal at a steep angle to guide your club on a more vertical swing plane, promoting lead-side pressure retention and a steeper angle of attack for improved ball-first contact, increased spin loft, and more consistent, spiny wedge shots.

Set-Up

Prepare Your pathpal: Take one piece of your pathpal.
Set the Angle: Adjust the pathpal to a 75-degree angle. This steep angle is crucial for guiding the vertical swing plane.
Position the pathpal: Place the pathpal on the ground directly in line with your target, and positioned just outside your lead foot/ball. The pathpal should be standing upright and angled towards your target.
Ball Position: Place your golf ball relatively close to the pathpal, so that your club can swing just outside it on the backswing.
Initial Pressure: Before you start your swing, ensure you have initial pressure on your lead side (left side for right-handed golfers).

Instructions

Maintain Lead Pressure: Throughout your backswing, consciously maintain pressure on your lead side. Avoid shifting your weight excessively to your trail side.
Vertical Backswing: As you take the club back, focus on getting the clubhead to move just outside the pathpal. This reinforces the desired vertical swing plane. Do not let the club come inside.
Stay "Left": Think about starting your swing with pressure on your lead side ("start left") and keeping that pressure ("stay left") through impact and into your finish ("finish left").
Hit Down on the Ball: This drill encourages a steeper angle of attack, promoting ball-first contact.
Feel the Spin: Observe the flight of the ball; you should be hitting medium, low, spiny wedge shots due to the increased spin loft.