Preset — Golf Drill

The preset position might be the most powerful yet underutilized technique in modern golf instruction, and experts like Golf Secrets and AlexElliottGolf are revolutionizing how golfers achieve consistency through this fundamental setup. Golf Secrets' transformative preset drill teaches golfers to set their wrists to the full preset position—with the shaft horizontal and parallel to the club on the ground—without moving the hands backward, creating an instant pathway to the perfect top of backswi

How to practise it

  1. Set wrists to horizontal preset position Without moving hands backward, set wrists so shaft is exactly horizontal and parallel to target line. Check that club position matches your alignment stick on ground.
  2. Hold and verify the preset alignment Pause in preset position for a split second each time. Ensure shaft stays horizontal and wrists maintain proper hinge angle.
  3. Turn shoulders with left shoulder going under From preset position, simply rotate shoulders to reach top of backswing. Focus on left shoulder moving down and under while maintaining wrist set.
  4. Practice preset to release sequence Set to position, check briefly, then turn and release through impact repeatedly. Build the muscle memory of proper sequencing.
  5. Integrate with full swing tempo Take the preset position feeling into normal-speed swings. Focus on reaching that same perfect top position naturally.

What is the preset drill and why is it so effective for improving my backswing?

The preset drill is a foundational exercise that helps golfers achieve the best top-of-backswing position they'll ever have in their life. According to Golf Secrets, this drill builds confidence in your backswing mechanics and is often the first drill recommended by top coaches because it establishe

How do I create proper resistance and power at the top of my backswing?

Focus on two key thoughts: hold your right knee in position and pull your left shoulder away from it. Golf Secrets explains that these two opposing forces create powerful resistance that generates more power in your swing while maintaining proper position at the top.

Why are my long irons all going similar distances and how can I fix this?

This common issue stems from poor strike quality and positioning. AlexElliottGolf recommends focusing on your trail shoulder moving more down and across with more weight on your left side at impact, which will help you strike your long irons more effectively and achieve proper distance gaps.

How each of them teaches it

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

  1. Warren Bennett Golf Academy: How these two Backswings can change your Swing (from 6:04). Setting the wrists to a 90-degree angle before initiating the backswing to ensure an early hinge and shorter arm swing.
  2. AlexElliottGolf: Unlock power iron shots: 3 simple steps #golf #golftips #golfinstruction #golftraining (from 0:30). A drill where you rock your trail foot in and pre-set your trail shoulder down and across to feel a powerful impact position before completing a full swing.
  3. Golf Secrets: World's #1 Coach TRANSFORMS Your Swing In 1 lesson (from 5:24). Pre-setting the wrists to horizontal and parallel before turning the shoulders to ensure a perfect backswing position.
  4. Golf Secrets: World's #1 Coach TRANSFORMS Your Swing in 45 MIN! (best golf lessons vol. 6) (from 7:37). A drill to build backswing confidence by setting the wrists to a parallel and horizontal position before completing the shoulder turn.
  5. Golf Secrets: World's #1 Coach Shares Right Arm Secrets With You - Best Golf Lesson | Pete Cowen Golf Secrets Vol5 (from 0:23). Set the hands and club horizontal and parallel to the target line before turning the shoulders to reach a perfect top-of-backswing position.
  6. Golf Secrets: World's #1 Coach TRANSFORMS Your Swing in 30 MIN! (best golf lesson on YouTube). Set the wrists horizontal and parallel to the target line at hip height before turning the shoulders to reach a perfect top-of-backswing position.
  7. Golf Secrets: World's #1 Coach TRANSFORMS Your Swing in 35 MIN! (uncut version). Sets the wrists into a full set position horizontal to the ground before turning the shoulders to ensure a perfect plane at the top of the backswing.
  8. Golf Secrets: World's #1 Coach TRANSFORMS Your Swing In 3 MIN (best golf drill on YouTube) (from 0:43). A two-step drill where the golfer presets the wrist hinge to a horizontal position before completing the backswing with a shoulder turn.
  9. Warren Bennett Golf Academy: 9/24 - How to Create MAXIMUM WIDTH in Your Golf Swing (from 5:05). Hinge the wrists first to point the club up, then coil the body to the top to pre-build width and structure.

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