If you struggle with your takeaway in the golf swing, you probably lack consistent ball-striking. That’s because the takeaway (which is the first move of the swing as you go back), is a huge foundational part that plays a huge role in your shot result.

For instance, if your takeaway is inconsistent, your club path is probably off, your clubface probably isn’t square and your body sequencing may be a little wonky.

Outside of practicing over and over how to get the feel of a good takeaway, there are some awesome drills that can help, too.

In the video below, GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jason Baile shares one that uses a baseball and a glove, which can help you feel and see the critical components of a proper takeaway.

Improve your takeaway with a baseball and glove (seriously!)

“For somebody like me who has struggled with the takeaway, I like this imagery [of using a ball and glove],” Baile says. “If I have a ball and a glove after fielding it, and I was going to take it out to throw it, I would kind of curl my right wrist up as I take the ball out of my glove.”

He then demonstrates how many amateurs struggle with the takeaway, showing how many roll their wrists over, which can create the wrong kind of path.

“[The wrong way] is rolling the right wrist [more behind you],” he adds.

But by feeling (or envisioning) the same sensation you get when taking the ball out of the glove, you can keep your arms in the proper spots and your club on-plane — leading to more consistent ball-striking.

“If I take my golf club and feel like I’m just taking the ball out of my glove, I curl my knuckles right up to my right wrist, the club stays just a little bit outside the hands, stays square to the arc, and I can then put both hands on [the grip] to feel that same kind of levering action,” he says. “I tend to get the club rolling in [behind me] quite a bit, so this image [of taking a baseball out of a glove] helps me a bunch.”

So, sure, it may look funny bringing a baseball and glove to the driving range, but you’ll have the last laugh with your pals when you start hitting straighter, longer shots thanks to better contact.

Rukket Sports Pathfinder Impact Mat™

$69.99

Are you looking for a golf training mat to help your golf game? The Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™ was designed with input from professional golfers and golf teachers to help players of all abilities improve their game. The strike mat tracks club face alignment and helps ensure clean contact with the ball while the foam pylons can be used to keep your swing on plane. Use all four pylons to practice hitting straighter shots or remove pylons to practice hitting draw or fade shots. It’s the most versatile golf swing practice mat available and works with every club in your bag!
Features

2-in-1 golf swing training mat combining the features of an impact mat / strike mat and a swing path trainer to help golfers quickly identify and correct common swing problems like hooks and slices.
It’s a golf swing impact / strike mat to help identify and correct club face alignment. Use the “velvet” turf to ensure you’re making clean contact with the ball.
It’s also a golf swing training aid to help with swing plane alignment. Use it to fix a slice or a hook, and to practice hitting draw and fade shots.

What’s in the Box

(1) Rukket Pathfinder Impact Mat™
(4) Foam Pylons
(1) Instruction Booklet

Product Specs
25in x 13in x 0.8in
RUKKET FAIR PLAY GUARANTEE & LIFETIME WARRANTY: At Rukket Sports we know you came to win. We also understand that in order to win you need to train hard, so that’s why we’re proud to offer the Rukket Fair Play Guarantee & Lifetime Warranty for no-risk purchasing plus outstanding USA-based customer service!

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