The Check Drill gives the downswing a quick look-see before impact. Not a full trial. Not a museum pose. Just a brief stop at shaft-parallel, where the club has to reveal two useful secrets—its path and its face.

Sometimes you use it to check face direction. Sometimes swing direction. Sometimes both. because the ball’s curve depends on how face and swing direction get along.

Start with your wedges and work all the way to your driver.

Steps—

1. Set up to the ball.

2. Make your backswing.

3. In the downswing, stop at pre-impact, where the shaft is parallel to the ground.

4. Check or set the face or shaft direction—or both.

5. Pump once or twice, making sure to pressure the ground with your lead foot each time.

6. Swing through to a balanced finish.

Fat or thin shots? Try Nip or Thump Drill
Toe or heel? Nail Drill

Otherwise, follow the 3-2-1 Ball Progression.

• Use three balls. Two with the drill, then one without.

• Use two balls. One with the drill, then another without.

• Use one ball. Your normal swing.

Move on to the next club.

Note—

Always hold your finish while watching the ball flight.

Caution—

Do not turn the checkpoint into a pose. Check it, feel it, then swing. The drill should still be athletic, not like someone paused the security footage.