Inside Takeaway — Golf Drill

The inside takeaway might seem like a logical fix for your slice, but leading instructors are revealing why this common "solution" actually makes things worse. Rob Cheney Golf demonstrates that taking the club away lower or more around your body to fix over-the-top swings actually magnifies slice problems, while Alex Etches Golf warns that the inside takeaway creates dangerous space to fire over the top when attempting draws. MrShortGame Golf identifies the root issue: that whipping or rotating

How to practise it

  1. Study your current takeaway path Make slow practice swings while watching the clubhead's first 18 inches of movement. Notice if the club moves inside your hands immediately.
  2. Practice the straight-back movement Take the club straight back along the target line for the first foot of takeaway. Keep the clubface square to the path.
  3. Add body rotation gradually Continue the straight-back start, then allow natural shoulder turn to move the club inside after 18 inches. Avoid early rotation or whipping motions.
  4. Hit full swings with focus Execute complete swings while maintaining the proper takeaway sequence. Monitor ball flight for reduced slice spin.
  5. Integrate on course targets Practice hitting to specific targets using your corrected takeaway path. Focus on starting the ball closer to your intended line.

What exactly is an inside takeaway and why is it so bad for my golf swing?

An inside takeaway happens when golfers rotate the club too much in the first part of their backswing, bringing it behind their body too quickly. As MrShortGame Golf explains, this is one of the three biggest problems plaguing most golfers, and Athletic Motion Golf confirms that nearly all amateur g

I slice the ball badly - could my takeaway be causing this problem?

Yes, your takeaway is likely the root cause of your slice. Rob Cheney Golf explains that golfers who hit balls that start left and curve wildly right think they have an over-the-top problem, but the real issue often starts with a faulty backswing and takeaway sequence.

How can I tell if I'm making the inside takeaway mistake during my swing?

Athletic Motion Golf shows that technology can reveal inside takeaway issues with 'bright red numbers' on swing analysis. You might notice the club getting inside before it reaches above your hands, or feel like you're rotating the club too much in the early part of your backswing.

How each of them teaches it

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

  1. James Robinson Golf: I Developed A SLICE With My Driver! (This FIXED IT Quick!) (from 3:09). Uses HackMotion biofeedback to prevent taking the hands and club too far inside during the takeaway, helping keep the club on path and avoiding an open clubface at the top.
  2. James Robinson Golf: The LONGEST And STRAIGHTEST Driver Ive EVER HIT - END OF! (from 5:46). Uses the HackMotion sensor to provide biofeedback during the takeaway, ensuring the club does not travel too far inside the plane.
  3. Rob Cheney Golf: Stop Looking In The Wrong Place (Your Backswing Is The Problem)! (from 3:06). Uses the HackMotion sensor's biofeedback to ensure the club moves back on a straighter path rather than being 'sucked' inside.
  4. Athletic Motion Golf: Are You Making This Takeaway Mistake Too? (Most Amateurs Are) (from 2:40). Uses biofeedback (HackMotion) to maintain lead wrist extension while rotating the body to prevent the club from being pulled inside and shut.
  5. Alex Etches Golf: Do NOT Buy a 2025 Golf Club until you watch this! (from 6:07). Uses real-time biofeedback to ensure the clubhead stays slightly outside the hands during the initial phase of the backswing.

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