Headcover — Golf Drill

The headcover drill has become one of golf's most effective training aids for developing proper swing connection, and leading instructors like Porzak Golf have perfected techniques that can transform your ball-striking consistency. Whether you're battling a slice off the tee or struggling with solid contact, this simple practice tool addresses a fundamental flaw that plagues golfers at every level: the disconnection between arms and body during the swing. Porzak Golf's proven method involves cla

How to practise it

  1. Clamp headcover under trail arm at setup Position headcover snugly between your trail arm and torso. If it falls out easily at address, you're not creating enough connection.
  2. Make slow backswings without dropping headcover Turn your body to three-quarter position while maintaining arm connection. Focus on rotation rather than lifting arms.
  3. Progress to full backswing with body turn As Porzak Golf notes, turn your body fully rather than just lifting arms. The headcover should stay locked in position.
  4. Hit balls with headcover in place Start with half swings, then progress to three-quarter shots. The headcover forces proper sequencing and prevents over-the-top moves.
  5. Remove headcover and feel the connection Hit normal shots while recreating the connected feeling. Your arms should move with your body, not independently.

What is the headcover drill and how does it help my golf swing?

The headcover drill involves clamping a headcover under your arm during setup and maintaining it throughout your swing. According to Porzak Golf, if you can hold it easily in your setup, you should be able to hold it to the top by making a proper full turn, which helps maintain connection between yo

Why do I keep dropping the headcover during the drill?

According to Porzak Golf, people drop the headcover because they don't turn all the way to the top of their backswing. The key is making a complete shoulder turn rather than just lifting your arms, which maintains the connection needed to keep the headcover in place.

Can the headcover drill help me stop shanking the ball?

Yes, the headcover drill can help prevent shanks by maintaining proper arm connection to your body. As explained by Meandmygolf, a shank occurs when the ball hits the hosel of the club, and keeping proper connection helps ensure the clubface makes contact instead.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the headcover drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Brit Golf Dad: SHANK #britgolfdad (from 1:58). Place a club headcover just outside the ball to build an obstacle that provides immediate feedback if you swing outward and hit the hosel.
  2. Bryan Seton | Golf, Simplified: how to fix a golf.slice off the tee #shorts. Place a headcover just outside the golf ball and practice swinging without hitting it to force an inside-to-out swing path.
  3. Rob Cheney Golf: Comment "TQ" to learn the simple drill you should use every time you practice! This drill only (from 0:31). Placing a headcover just outside the golf ball to act as a visual and physical barrier against heel strikes.
  4. Porzak Golf: Try This HEADCOVER Drill. Place a headcover under the arm (typically the lead or trail arm for connection) and maintain pressure on it throughout the backswing to ensure the arms and body move in sync.
  5. Bob Menzies Golf: LIVE Golf Lesson (LEFT HANDED Student) Fixing Swing Plane & Path (from 81:07). A headcover is placed just outside the golf ball. If the golfer swings over-the-top (outside-in), they will hit the headcover, encouraging an inside-out path.

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