Correcting Your Swing Path: Takeaway and Downswing Plane Control

Swing Path Fixer

This drill uses the pathpal to immediately correct common swing path errors, focusing on both the takeaway and the downswing. This addresses issues like taking the club too far inside, a "steep" handle raise, or coming "over the top," helping you establish a more consistent club path for better contact and direction

Alignment Sticks Required: 2

PathPal Configuration: Split

Full Swing

What It Helps With

Improve Swing Plane

Promotes shallowing

Prevents getting stuck

Prevents Inside Takeaway

Improved Club Path

How to Set Up the PathPal

Step 1: Setup for Inside Takeaway or Steep Downswing (Drill 1)

Identify the Flaw: This setup is for golfers who take the club too far inside on the takeaway or come down with a steep, over-the-top path.
Position the pathpal: Place the pathpal structure outside of the ball and slightly behind it. Goal: The pathpal should be set up where the club would collide with it if the golfer takes the club too far inside on the backswing.
Path Correction Goal: The training aid acts as a barrier, forcing the golfer to initiate the backswing and takeaway straighter and more "on top" of the plane. For the downswing, the goal is to keep the club head and handle working more inward (less outward/steep) as it approaches impact, avoiding the structure.

Step 2: Setup for Over-the-Top Path (Drill 2)

Identify the Flaw: This setup is for golfers who come over the top (casting or slicing motion) on the downswing, causing a steep attack angle and an out-to-in path.
Position the pathpal: Move the pathpal further outside the ball and closer to the golfer (relative to the first setup).Goal: The pathpal should be positioned to intercept the club if the golfer throws the club head outside the line on the downswing.
Path Correction Goal: The barrier forces the golfer to drop the club head under the swing plane during the transition and downswing. This encourages a shallower, more in-to-out path, which is essential for drawing the ball and adding power.

Step-by-Step Drill Instructions

Start Slow (Rehearsal Swings): Perform slow-motion rehearsal swings without a ball. Feel the resistance and the boundary the pathpal creates.
Execute the Swing: Take a normal swing, concentrating on avoiding contact with the pathpal throughout the entire motion (takeaway and/or downswing).
Focus on Sensation: Drill 1: Feel like you are keeping the club on top of the plane on the takeaway and bringing the handle working inward on the downswing. Drill 2: Feel like you are learning how to lower the club underneath the pathpal to achieve a path that moves more to the right (for a right-handed golfer).
Increase Speed: Once you can consistently make swings without hitting the aid, gradually increase your swing speed while maintaining the corrected path.