Your golf swing path directly impacts accuracy, consistency, and distance. Common issues like an over-the-top motion, inside-out path errors, poor weight transfer, and setup mistakes can throw off your game. Here’s how to fix them:
- Over-the-Top Motion: Leads to slices and poor accuracy. Fix it with drills like the Smash Drill or Headcover Drill to correct your downswing path.
- Inside-Out Path: Causes hooks or pulls due to overactive hip rotation. Use the Crazy Simple Inside-Out Drill to neutralize your swing.
- Weight Shift Problems: Improper weight transfer disrupts power and timing. Practice drills to ensure proper weight distribution (60% trail foot backswing, 70% lead foot impact).
- Setup Errors: Poor posture or tight grip impacts alignment. Focus on upright posture, neutral grip, and square clubface.
Key Fixes at a Glance:
| Problem | Fix | Tools/Drills |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-Top Motion | Smash Drill, Headcover Drill | Alignment sticks, HackMotion |
| Inside-Out Path | Crazy Simple Drill, Motorcycle Drill | Real-time feedback tools |
| Weight Shift Issues | Step-Through Drill | Practice swings with focus |
| Setup Errors | Correct posture, neutral grip | Alignment aids, Smart Path Trainer |
This Drill Has Never Failed To Fix This Really Common Downswing Fault
4 Major Swing Path Mistakes
Swing path errors can ruin your accuracy and consistency. Here are four common mistakes that can throw off your drive:
1. Over-the-Top Motion
This happens when the clubhead moves outside the target line during the downswing . The result? An outside-in path that often leads to slices and poor accuracy.
Here’s what typically causes it:
| Cause | Impact on Swing | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Poor Sequencing | Disrupts energy transfer | Loss of power and control |
| Incorrect Grip | Creates arm tension | Limited club control |
| Wrong Wrist Position | Forces an outside path | Inconsistent contact |
2. Inside-Out Path Issues
An inside-out path occurs when the club moves too far inside the target line before swinging out. This is often due to overactive hip rotation and can lead to pulls or hooks.
3. Weight Shift Problems
Weight distribution is crucial. You need 60% pressure on your trail foot during the backswing and 70% on your lead foot at impact . Without proper hip movement, the connection between your upper and lower body breaks down, causing delays and throwing off the club’s path . Skilled players excel by keeping their weight centered and transferring it quickly .
4. Setup and Alignment Errors
Mistakes in setup and alignment – like poor posture or gripping the club too tightly – force compensations, leading to inconsistent swings. The most common setup errors include:
- Incorrect Posture: Slouching or excessive bending limits your ability to rotate fully.
- Excessive Grip Pressure: Gripping too tightly restricts your swing.
To fix this, focus on maintaining an upright posture and ensuring the clubface is square at address . Addressing these setup issues lays the groundwork for better swing paths, which we’ll cover in the next section.
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How to Fix Your Swing Path
Here are some drills designed to help you fix common swing path issues.
Over-the-Top Correction Drills
Start with the Smash Drill to train your muscles for the correct movement. Place a soft shell about 12 inches behind your ball. Pause at the top of your backswing, shift your weight forward, and drop the club into the proper slot.
Another helpful exercise is the Headcover Drill, which provides instant feedback:
| Drill Setup | Execution | Success Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Place a headcover a few inches outside the ball | Swing without hitting the headcover | A clean miss shows you’re on the correct path |
| Position a headcover under your trail arm | Complete your swing | The headcover stays in place until impact |
| Loosen your grip to about 4/10 | Keep a neutral grip | Relaxed arms throughout the swing |
"The reason you are swinging over the top is that you are in the wrong position at the top to begin with", says HackMotion . To fix this, aim for wrist supination at the top of your backswing, where your palm faces upward.
Once you’ve addressed over-the-top issues, move on to fixing an inside-out path.
Inside-Out Path Fixes
For inside-out errors, try the Crazy Simple Inside-Out Drill by Paul Wilson Golf. Brush the grass behind the ball, keep your trail shoulder tilted, and release with relaxed wrists. This helps guide your swing back to a more neutral path.
You can also use the Motorcycle Drill with HackMotion’s real-time feedback. Add wrist flexion as the club reaches parallel, mimicking the motion of revving a motorcycle throttle. This drill can help square the clubface during the transition, leading to better control.
Weight Transfer Drills
To improve weight transfer, swing as usual and step your rear foot across your front foot toward the target line after impact. This movement ensures you’re shifting all your weight through the shot for a complete follow-through.
Setup and Alignment Methods
Your swing path starts with a solid setup. Focus on these basics:
- Stand in an upright, athletic posture with your knees slightly bent.
- Use a neutral grip (around 4/10 pressure) and square the clubface at address.
- Align your shoulders parallel to the target line.
For more advanced practice, try the Bump & Pump Drill from HackMotion. Picture a wall in front of you, take a short backswing, bump your hips forward, and then pump your arms through impact. This drill helps refine an inside-to-out path while encouraging proper weight transfer.
Tools and Learning Resources
If you’re looking to fix swing path issues, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Here’s a breakdown of some training aids and platforms designed to help you improve your game.
How To Break 80
How To Break 80 provides a range of video courses and eBooks aimed at correcting swing path errors. Two standout offerings include the "Fix Your Slice & Hit a Draw" course ($99) and the Essential Golf Improvement eBook Bundle ($19). These resources guide you through step-by-step drills and offer detailed feedback to help you progress.
Their materials focus on practical learning, featuring video demonstrations and structured drills to ensure you stay on track.
In addition to these learning tools, specialized training aids can take your swing refinement to the next level.
Best Training Aids
One highly-rated training tool is the Smart Path Golf Swing Trainer, which helps golfers by giving instant feedback on key swing elements like trajectory, clubface position, and swing arc. With a user rating of 4.6/5.0, this device is a favorite among players of all skill levels.
| Aspect | Benefit | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Path Control | Tracks and shows swing trajectory | Works with any club |
| Face Angle | Provides real-time feedback on position | Suitable for indoor/outdoor |
| Swing Arc | Visual guide for proper swing plane | Usable with or without a ball |
"The Smart Path is one of the best aids I have found. It is effective in each of the learning senses. It helps players with the 3 major facets of the game – Path, Angle, and Face. I believe this will be a product to improve and create better muscle memory for all players who are looking to improve and correct their golf swings." – Tim Pratt, Director of Instruction Nike Golf Learning Centers
To get the most out of the Smart Path, consider pairing it with alignment sticks. HackMotion’s February 2025 article, "7 Essential Alignment Stick Drills Every Golfer Needs", highlights how alignment sticks can reinforce proper setup and swing path fundamentals.
One golfer shared their success story, noting how they went from struggling to break 100 to consistently scoring in the 80s by using the Smart Path to slow down and straighten their swing . The device also comes with a 100-page reference guide and a Hank Haney instructional DVD , offering both physical feedback and expert coaching to help you master your swing mechanics.
Conclusion
Fixing swing path issues takes focused adjustments and consistent practice. The right techniques, applied thoughtfully, can lead to noticeable improvements.
As David Leadbetter wisely puts it:
"Contrary to popular belief, practice doesn’t make perfect. It makes permanent. So, you need to make sure you are doing the right things; not just hitting ball after ball on the range. You’ve got to practise with purpose."
To refine your swing path, pay attention to these key elements:
| Core Component | Key Focus | Impact on Swing |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Foundation | Flared feet and proper grip pressure | Better balance and control |
| Body Movement | Core-driven rotation and lower body initiation | Increased power and accuracy |
| Tempo Control | Consistent rhythm and optimal speed | Improved face control at impact |
The modern golf swing relies heavily on the core and trunk of the body . The table highlights crucial aspects that support a successful swing. Achieving lasting improvement involves making technical adjustments and practicing with intention. By challenging your instincts and maintaining proper form, you can build a swing that’s both consistent and precise.