Merry Go Round — Golf Drill

The Merry Go Round Golf Drill is a swing plane training concept designed to help golfers—from high handicappers to competitive single digits—eliminate a steep, 'over-the-top' move. By shifting the focus from a vertical 'Ferris wheel' lift to a horizontal rotational feel, this drill solves the problem of disconnected arms and a choppy downswing. Most golfers recognize the struggle: you try to generate power, but your hands lift too high, your shoulders tilt too steeply, and you end up losing the

What is the difference between a 'Merry-Go-Round' and a 'Ferris Wheel' swing?

A 'Merry-Go-Round' swing refers to a horizontal, rotational movement that keeps the club on a shallower plane, similar to [Steve Pratt Golf's](/creator/inmotion70) Hogan-style drills. A 'Ferris Wheel' swing is overly vertical, where the shoulders tilt too steeply, often leading to a 'chopping' motio

How do I know if my hand path is too 'sledgehammer-like'?

If your hands move immediately inside and behind your body during the takeaway, you are likely using a 'sledgehammer' path. [Porzak Golf](/creator/porzakgolf) recommends checking that your hands move straight down your foot line until they reach your pocket to avoid this mistake.

Can I practice the Merry-Go-Round drill at home?

Yes! You can practice the 'belt-level' rotation without a ball. Simply stand tall, hold the club at waist height, and rotate your torso as if the club is on a merry-go-round. Once comfortable, add your golf posture (30-degree hip bow) while trying to keep that same rotational feeling.

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the merry go round drill, each linked at the second they start.

1. Porzak Golf: Why you NEED more COMPRESSION in your life! Featuring Pastor Keion (from 10:39). Placing a club across the shoulders and rotating to feel the left pocket move back while the right shoulder fires through, ensuring the chest 'covers' the ball.
2. Porzak Golf: Perfect Your Takeaway – The Secret Hand Path You’ve Been Missing (from 2:14). Place the club across your chest and practice turning your lead pocket back and trail shoulder through to ensure shoulders rotate cleanly around the spine rather than tilting vertically.
3. Porzak Golf: This SIMPLE Takeaway Fix Change Her Whole Swing in One Lesson! (from 8:36). Cross the club across your chest with the face matching your spine angle, rotating from instep to instep to get the trail shoulder firing through over the lead foot.

Expert Tips

• Steve Pratt Golf: Establish a horizontal rotational feel by holding the club at belt level, ensuring the club head stays slightly lower than the handle to promote a shallow plane.
• Porzak Golf: Guide your hands straight down the line of your feet until they reach pocket height before transitioning the path 'up the escalator' to the top.