Alignment Stick Extension — Golf Drill

Mastering the alignment stick extension technique can transform your ball-striking from inconsistent to professional-level contact, and top instructors like Eric Cogorno Golf and SM Golf Coaching have broken down exactly how to make this happen. The key insight that separates good players from great ones lies in understanding how to position the alignment stick at a 45-degree angle while coordinating your pelvis and shoulders to create proper shaft loading—a fundamental that Eric Cogorno emphasi

How to practise it

  1. Set up the alignment stick extension Insert alignment stick into butt end of your club, creating a visible extension. Take normal address position and observe the stick's angle.
  2. Find the 45-degree reference position Make slow practice swings, focusing on keeping the alignment stick pointed down at 45 degrees through impact. Match your pelvis and shoulder angles to this reference.
  3. Maintain lead side pressure Execute half-speed swings while keeping pressure through your lead foot, knee, hip and shoulder. The stick provides instant feedback on shaft position.
  4. Compensate with clubface rotation As you achieve handle-forward position, actively close the clubface to offset the shaft lean. Start with slow swings to coordinate the movements.
  5. Execute full-speed integration Remove the alignment stick and apply the same feelings at full speed. Focus on the pressure pattern and shaft angle you just rehearsed.

How do I know if I'm in the correct position at the top of my swing?

According to Eric Cogorno Golf, when you reach the correct position, the butt end of the club (or alignment stick) should point down at about a 45-degree angle. Your pelvis and shoulders should also be at very similar angles, creating proper alignment throughout your body.

Should I be actively trying to shallow the golf club during my downswing?

SM Golf Coaching explains that shallowing usually isn't done on purpose - it's more of a natural reaction. Trying to manually shallow the club by doing weird things with your arms and body to force it into a shallow position often creates more problems than it solves.

What's the key to becoming a consistent ball striker?

Eric Cogorno Golf emphasizes that learning the proper alignment and positioning fundamentals will make you a good ball striker for life. The key is understanding how the club, pelvis, and shoulders should align at various points in the swing.

How each of them teaches it

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

  1. AlexElliottGolf: This New Driver Technique Makes Amateurs Look Like Tour Pros (from 4:39). Place an alignment stick at the ball line and hold a golf club across your chest to practice right side bend and chest extension while keeping your head behind the stick.
  2. Warren Bennett Golf Academy: THE ALL IN ONE DRILL - How to Puzzle Your Swing Together (from 1:58). Using an alignment stick inserted into the grip end to provide real-time visual and physical feedback for backswing plane, shallowing, and neutral impact release.
  3. JChownGolf: How Amateurs Try To Create Club Head Speed Vs What ACTUALLY Works (from 16:10). Place an alignment stick on the ground outside the toe line and use lead-side extension (straightening the leg and hip) to propel the stick into the air.
  4. ChrisRyanGolf: Inconsistent Strike? I Bet You’ve Never Considered This (from 6:06). Hold an alignment stick against the grip to ensure the lead arm stays in front of the chest and avoids getting pinned behind the body at impact.
  5. AlexElliottGolf: Teaching My Wife 2 EASY Chipping Moves Every Golfer Must Know (from 11:22). Hold an alignment stick against the side of the club shaft so it extends up the lead arm; this prevents the wrists from breaking down (flicking) during the chipping motion.
  6. AlexElliottGolf: LIVE Q&A WITH ALEX ELLIOTT AND AE EXCELLENCE HUB MEMBERS (from 7:05). Place an alignment stick alongside the club shaft so it extends past your lead hip; swing through without letting the stick hit your side to encourage shaft lean and rotation.

Expert Tips