"X" Plane Drill for chipping

Master Your Wedge Swing Plane and Path

Sticks: 2

Config: Split

Focus: Short game

Drill Objective

This drill uses the pathpal to create an "X" shaped guide, helping golfers achieve a more vertical swing plane and prevent the club from getting too far inside or releasing too much around the body with wedges.

Set-Up

Prepare Path Pal: Take both pieces of your Pathpal
Form the "X": Set one piece at a 50-degree angle and the other at a 45-degree angle. Arrange them on the ground in front of you to form an "X" pattern.
Position the "X": Place the "X" on the ground so that it's in front of your golf ball, aligning with your target line. The specific placement can be adjusted slightly, but the goal is for the "X" to guide your club's path.
Adjust for Clubhead Clearance: Ensure the sticks are positioned so that your clubhead can swing through the "X" without hitting either stick if your swing plane is correct. You can move the sticks slightly closer or further away to fine-tune this.

Instructions

Assume Address: Set up to your golf ball with your wedge, taking your normal address position, with the pathpal "X" in front of you.
Monitor Backswing: As you take your club back, focus on keeping the clubhead in front of the alignment sticks, especially the one preventing an overly inside takeaway. This promotes a more vertical swing plane.
Control Follow-Through: On the downswing and follow-through, continue to keep the clubhead in front of the sticks. This helps prevent "flipping" the club around your body and encourages a more "down the target line" motion.
Swing Smoothly: Make practice swings and then hit balls, concentrating on maintaining the desired path guided by the "X." Your aim is to swing without contacting either stick, ensuring your club stays on plane.
Identify Issues: If you hit the inside stick, your backswing is too far inside. If you hit the outside stick on the follow-through, you might be releasing the club too much around your body. Adjust your swing based on this feedback.

Benefits

Improved Club Path

Prevents Inside Takeaway

Reduces fat shots

Cody Carter

Director of Player Development

Druid Hills Golf Club

2018-2026: Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America
2022, 2024-2025: Golf Magazine Top Teachers to Watch
2024-2025: Golf Digest Best Teachers in State

""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.""