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head movement spine angle drillFor most players, extra head movement during the swing is a nuisance. It can result in inconsistent contact, and quite often lead to fat shots. The players on tour that get away with extra head movement, like Jim Furyk, get away with it because they are able to maintain a consistent spine angle throughout their swing. This type of swing is not something that can be taught, it takes years to perfect. So with that in mind, a simple, repeatable swing that maintains a consistent spine angle is the best approach to improving consistency and ball contact. The easiest way to maintain your spine angle is to reduce your head movement – this drill will help you achieve this.

This drill is simple enough to perform… you don’t even need a club. Face a wall, and get setup in your address position. Cross your arms across your chest, and move towards the wall until your head is making contact with it. Next, start back as if you were performing a swing – at the top of your backswing - hold the position… your head should still be in contact with the wall. Next, follow-through, focus on keeping your head touching the wall until after impact.

This simple drill will help you steady your head, and feel what a stable spine angle is like. With some practice, you shouldn’t have any issues with fat shots anymore. Give it a try.

If you’re one of those players who often hits thin, topped, skulled, fat or even shots off the heel, bottom groove or toe of the club, your spine angle is likely to blame for your inconsistency. Truth be told, the age old adage of "not looking up" isn’t necessary if you can retain your spine angle – case and point, Annika Sorenstam’s swing.

Do you suffer from fat or thin shots on those tight fairway lies? Do you dread those 50 yard shots to the green off a wet lie? Do you suffer from inconsistent ball contact? If so, this drill is for you…
Based on the poll I recently set up, it seems slicing is the number one problem of my readers, followed closely by fat shots.  This is in interesting trend. A poor swing path can cause both of these problems.

When you watch golf professionals live or on TV, what’s one thing you notice more than anything?… They’re incredibly consistent. The key to consistency is creating a repeatable and dependable golf swing.

A stable base of support is needed in order to hit the ball with consistency. Yes, it’s true moving up and down during your swing is not helping you hit the ball straighter! The most common fault I see in golfers who do not have a stable lower body is too much knee flex. Ideally, you want your knees to be unlocked, not bent.