Stop — Golf Drill

Stop golf drills are a deliberate training methodology where a golfer pauses at a specific point in the swing—most commonly at the top of the backswing—to eliminate momentum-based compensations. Designed for mid-to-high handicappers and competitive players alike, these drills solve the universal problem of "rushing the transition," which often leads to a loss of [lag](/learn/lag) and inconsistent contact. You know the feeling: you reach the top of your swing, your brain screams "hit it," and you

How long should I actually pause at the top during a stop drill?

For maximum benefit, aim for a 1-2 second pause. It should feel uncomfortably long. This ensures all momentum is gone, forcing your muscles to re-engage in the correct sequence to start the downswing.

Will stop drills ruin my natural tempo for the course?

Actually, they improve it. By 'resetting' your transition, you stop the habit of rushing. Most players find that after doing stop drills, their on-course tempo becomes smoother and more [lag](/learn/lag) heavy.

Can I hit the ball while doing a stop drill?

Yes, but start with the 'Stop-Go' method. Swing to the top, stop completely, then try to hit the ball from that dead stop. It will be difficult at first, but it teaches you how to generate power from your core and ground force.

How each of them teaches it

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

1. Giles Gill Golf: The Catapult Method Every Golfer Should Learn! (from 5:47). Hit full shots while stopping as quickly as possible post-impact to train maximum kinetic energy transfer into the clubhead.
2. Giles Gill Golf: Create Effortless Power By Slowing Down Your Golf Swing (Golf Drill) (from 4:04). Swing down from a position of lag and finish with the wrists fully unloaded (ulnar deviation) without any re-hinging to feel energy transfer and shaft lean.
3. Golf Secrets: PGA Legend Johnny Miller's Most Valuable Golf Secrets Revealed (from 14:04). Practice stopping the club at impact with a completely shut face to neutralize an over-the-top slice move.
4. Scratch Golf Academy: The SIMPLE Way To Rewire Your Swing Sequence (from 6:55). Swing through the ball and try to stop the club as quickly as possible after impact to force core engagement and arm stability.
5. Giles Gill Golf: The Strange Catapult Move Pros Use (EFFORTLESS GOLF SWING) (from 6:04). Hit a ball and attempt to stop the club as quickly as possible after impact to ensure maximum energy transfer and full arm extension.

Expert Tips

• Giles Gill Golf: To create the 'catapult' effect, pause at the top of your swing for a full second to let the clubhead's weight settle. This allows the lead arm to act as the lever and the trail arm as the tension, ensuring that when you finally fire, the energy is released into the back of the ball rather than being wasted at the start of the downswing.
• Giles Gill Golf: Execute the 'Circles Drill' by taking the club back and stopping when the shaft is parallel to the ground, then continuing to the top and stopping again. This segmented approach builds awareness of the clubface angle and the radius of your swing, preventing the common mistake of collapsing the lead arm.