Alignment Stick Belt Loop — Golf Drill

The alignment stick belt loop drill has revolutionized how golfers understand proper hip sequencing and connection in the golf swing. Golf Performance Coach Justin Langhill demonstrates how threading an alignment stick through your belt loops prevents destructive hip spin during the downswing, teaching golfers that "contact comes from connection, not chaos." This simple yet powerful training aid forces you to maintain proper sequence rather than rushing into impact with excessive hip rotation—a

How to practise it

  1. Thread the stick through both belt loops Position the alignment stick horizontally across your lower back, threading it through your belt loops. The stick should rest comfortably against your belt line.
  2. Take practice swings to three-quarter position Make slow backswings to three-quarter length, feeling how the stick prevents excessive hip movement. Focus on maintaining connection between your upper and lower body.
  3. Practice the downswing transition slowly From the top, initiate the downswing without spinning your hips. The stick will provide feedback if you move too quickly into rotation.
  4. Build to full-speed swings Gradually increase swing speed while maintaining the proper sequence. Feel how connection creates power rather than chaotic hip spinning.
  5. Remove stick and transfer the feeling Hit final shots without the stick, recreating the same connected feeling. Notice how the proper sequence generates effortless power.

How do I properly use an alignment stick in my belt loops during practice?

According to Justin Langhill, place an alignment stick through your belt loops to help control your hip movement during the downswing. This drill helps you focus on getting your hands in front of your hips rather than spinning your hips too quickly from the top of your backswing.

Why can't I start my downswing with my hips no matter how hard I try?

JChownGolf explains that this isn't about being too old or unathletic - you absolutely can do it. The issue is usually in your sequencing and understanding of how to properly initiate the downswing movement rather than just spinning your hips.

What's the difference between hip rotation and hip spinning in the golf swing?

As JChownGolf notes, while hip rotation is what all the best players do for long, straight, effortless shots, amateur golfers often confuse this with spinning. The alignment stick drill helps you feel the difference between proper rotation and chaotic spinning that leads to poor contact.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the alignment stick belt loop drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Eric Cogorno Golf: This Iron Lesson Will Improve You Instantly | 3 Best Drills From Top Golf Coaches (from 2:30). Place an alignment stick through your front belt loops to feel how sliding the hips forward presets side tilt with the trail hip lower than the lead hip.
  2. Rob Cheney Golf: You Will NEVER Learn To Compress The Ball Until You Do This! (from 8:16). Place an alignment stick through your front belt loops to monitor pelvic rotation. Practice swinging your arms rapidly down while keeping the stick and hips closed to prevent early extension and casting.
  3. JChownGolf: This One Move Takes You From Amateur To Pro Striking In 2 SECONDS (from 6:02). Place an alignment stick through your belt loops, angled down on the left side, and focus on moving the stick 'down and around' during the downswing to blend weight shift and rotation.
  4. JChownGolf: Why Your Downswing Is Broken (It’s Not What You Think) (from 5:05). Place an alignment stick through your front belt loops to visualize the right hip moving deeper in the backswing and the left hip clearing back in the downswing.
  5. Justin Langhill | Golf Performance Coach: Contact comes from connection, not chaos. (from 0:05). Place an alignment stick through your front belt loops to monitor hip speed and ensure the hands lead the hips during the transition.

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