Hi, Dave Cahill. Today I am at the Loggers Trail Golf Course in Stillwater, MN. I will be will talking about how to use an alignment stick to train for correct stance alignment. I’ve already set this alignment stick up properly. For information on how to set up an alignment stick for stance check out the second video below. Or go to YouTube: Setting Up Alignment Stick For Stance Alignment Practice.

Since I am a right-handed golfer, I’ve set up my alignment stick parallel left of the target line. Once the stick is in place, walk behind the ball and check that the alignment is correct. I’ve just sighted my target line and can see that the alignment stick is set up just parallel left of the target. After taking one more look at the target walk up to the stick and place your feet parallel to the stick. The feet do not need to touch the stick, just be parallel or on the same line as the alignment stick. This simple way of practicing, going from behind, stepping up by the stick, stepping up to the ball will teach you to get your foot line in the proper position.

An important note on practicing: The key to learning a new motor skill is not just how much time you spend practicing, but how you practice. For the most effective practice, practice a slightly modified version rather than the exact same thing multiple times in a row. After a few swings with the alignment stick, walk several feet away and try the same drill a few times without the alignment stick. Sight your target, picturing a parallel stance line from behind, step up to the ball picturing the stance line and parallel target line. Hit a few shots and return to the alignment stick. Repeat in various positions returning to the alignment stick each time after a few swings away.

The following video will describe a step-by-step process for setting up alignment sticks.

I have two sticks. I will point the first of the sticks exactly at the target. Walk behind the stick a few paces doing a careful check to make sure the stick is pointing exactly where you want your golf ball to go. Once the first alignment stick is down and lined up correctly, we are ready to place the second stick. I will place the second stick a bit further from the target than the first stick, parallel to it, pointing not at the target but parallel left of it. Once the stick is in place, walk behind the ball and check that the alignment is correct. Adjust if necessary. I’ve just sighted my target line and can see that the alignment stick is now set up just parallel left of the target. I am now ready to go.

Note: (Since I am a right-handed golfer, my alignment stick is set up parallel left of the target line, left handed golfers follow the instructions but set up the second stick parallel right of the first.)

PGA Instructor Mike Cahill and PGA Master Instructor Dave Cahill are here to help you play better and enjoy the game more. Please come see us in Palm Springs, California or Stillwater, Minnesota for golf lessons or visit us for a Palm Springs, California or Las Vegas, Nevada Golf School.

PGA Instructor Mike Cahill 612-501-9015 mikecahill@cahillgolf.com

PGA Master Instructor Dave Cahill 952-994-0387 davecahill@cahillgolf.com