Until I developed a repertoire of golf drills that I truly loved, the driving range wasn’t always all that effective for me. I love a good drill because I believe it helps your brain form new connections and learn, rather than just rehearsing the same mistakes. Ball striking is one of the most important skills you can build. If you can strike the ball cleanly, you’ll see more distance, better accuracy and more consistency in your game. Here are three of my favorite ball-striking drills you can do at the range today.
Low Point Laneway drill
This drill is all about improving center contact, controlling the club’s swing arc, and keeping the face square through impact. It’s ideal for golfers who want immediate visual feedback on where the club is bottoming out. Some golfers will do this with clubs on the ground but I like it better with alignment sticks just in case you take a bad swing.
How to Do It:
Set two alignment rods (or club shafts) parallel to your target line, just wide enough for the clubhead to pass through without touching.Mark five to six “scratch” spots in a row inside the laneway, about 6–7 inches apart.Make slow, deliberate practice swings, landing the club exactly on each mark while keeping the swing path parallel to the rods.Alternate between slightly open and slightly closed clubface positions to learn face control.Gradually build to full swings, checking your divots to ensure they’re starting on or just ahead of your target mark.Once consistent, hit balls from the setup and see if your strike pattern holds.Four-Ball Collection drill
This four ball collection drill is more of a visual drill that helps you see (and feel) the correct impact position. It works great for low-point training and for any golfer who tends to hit behind the ball. The exaggerated “collecting” motion engrains the right body and hand position through impact.
How to Do It:
