Driving · Drill
The Wings Drill for a Clean Takeaway
Part of our driving programs for slice, push or pull. Build a program with it
The first part of your backswing sets up the rest. So it's worth getting right. Wrap something around the shaft so two ends stick out to the sides, like wings. A twist tie works. Now make a slow takeaway to waist height. The wings show you what the face is doing. If they tilt too far, the face has rolled open or shut. A clean start means fewer fixes later in the swing. You can do this at home or on the range.
The drill
- Wrap a tie around the shaft so it sticks out both ways.
- Take your normal setup.
- Swing slowly to waist height.
- Check that the wings match your target line and the toe points up.
- Hit shots, then repeat without the aid.
Why it works
The clubface angle at waist height is mostly set by how your hands and forearms rotate in the first move away from the ball. If the face rolls open or shut here, you have to correct it later with a timing change. The wings make the face angle easy to see, so you can feel a square start and repeat it. A square start makes it easier to return the face square at impact, which helps with a push.
Common mistakes
- You swing too fast and the wings become a blur.Slow the swing down until you can see the wings clearly at waist height.
- You roll the forearms open by turning the hands away from the ball.Keep the clubhead moving with your chest turn so the toe points up at waist height.
- You check the wings once, then hit shots without looking again.Pause at waist height on several swings, check the wings, then hit shots and repeat without the aid.
How you'll know it's working
- At waist height the wings match your target line and the toe points up.
- Your push misses to the right happen less often, and the ball starts closer to your target line.
- Contact feels more centered, and your takeaway feels the same without the tie.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Pause at waist height on every swing and check the wings before you go on.
Harder: Hit full shots with the tie on, and check the wings only on the video or in a mirror, not by pausing.
Common questions
What should the clubface look like at waist height in the backswing?
The toe of the club should point up, and the face should look roughly parallel to your spine angle. The face should not look clearly open or shut.
Can I do the wings drill at home?
Yes. Use a slow swing and a mirror or a phone camera to check the wings. Keep to half swings in a safe space, and stop if it hurts.
