At driving ranges across the world and those on the PGA Tour, everyone is working on their takeaway. Makes sense: Getting the club in the right position as the shaft reaches parallel to the ground is critical. It sets you up to avoid errors like swinging the club too far to the inside and laying it off (shaft pointed left) or crossing the line (shaft pointed right) when you reach the top.
Easy fix: To make a great takeaway — and by that I mean keeping the club out in front of you with the clubhead in line with your hands once the shaft gets parallel to the ground — is to create a little upward pressure on the handle as you start back.
Practice by swinging back with only your glove hand on the club and using the index finger of your trail hand to add a little upward pressure to the grip. Even just a little upward force as you start back will make all the difference in the world.
Brian Manzella is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who teaches at English Turn Golf & CC in New Orleans, La.