Drills for a correct takeaway

Does anyone know of any good drills / key thoughts for a smooth proper takeaway with minimal shoulder turn?

My problem is that I tend to start the takeaway by turning my right shoulder in. This results in rotating my shoulders far too much early in the swing and I go well inside and get a flat plane. I've been practicing chipping etc by trying start the swing with the hands and trying to keep shoulder turn minimal (below 15-20 degrees or so) until the club reaches horizontal. I've thought about trying to keep my right side (elbow / shoulder) dead/quiet, keeping my right elbow still etc..

Blitzer,

I had the very same problem with a big sholder turn!

Start the shoulder turn exactly as you do now with your shoulders which is correct just keep you hands inside your club head until you are pointing at 9.00 o clock. Then you just need to turn your shoulder only from that point.

If like me you have a long swing due to your natural flexability just have the feeling of half a swing. p.s if you video your half swing you will see it is a perfect full swing!!!!

Hope this helps

Ian.

Hmm. To clarify my problem a bit, it's more like starting the takeaway like putting. Hands stay straight (ie. the right arm doesnt bend) and hence its all shoulder turn from start. To compensate and to try to stay on line I keep my wrists straight. This results in going back straight for too long (outside the plane) and then inside very flat.

I've recently worked on my setup. Hands positioned at inner left thigh (before about middle) and at the same time ensure my shoulders are tilted (estimate, 15 degrees from horizontal; before maybe 5). And then I try to take club back and inside the target line / ball. I'll have to see how this works out...

Blitzer,

It sounds to me what you are now working on with the hands set further forward is spot on.

If you have now started to put your hands inside your left thigh from centre you will have noticed you have a slightly stronger left hand grip and a straight line from your shoulder to your club head, this will aid the takeaway you are looking for.

Spot on mate


Ian.