The Takeaway

The Takeaway: 

The takeaway is the first move away from the golf ball from the setup to when the club is parallel to the ground.  It is a crucial part of the backswing as it sets the whole theme for the rest of the swing.  From a poor takeaway you can easily hit undesired slices, hooks, and mishits, but from a good takeaway you have a much better chance of hitting a desired ball flight and solid strike.  

     

Shown above is Louis Oosthuizen demonstrating a good takeaway.  When the club is parallel to the ground the butt end of the club should point parallel to the target line or slightly left as Louis has here.  Also notice how the clubface is slightly closed (pointed more towards the ground) where you want it. 

Dill 1:

This drill involves putting a alignment stick or a club at a 45 degree angle to your feet line/ target line.  All you want to do then is to make sure that your club and clubface is parallel to the stick when your club is over it.  

Drill 2:

This drill involves connecting the club to your belly button and then moving your arms away to about your right hip while still keeping the club connected to your belly button. You can use this drill in accordance with drill 1 (above).


Drill 3:

This drill involves setting second ball behind the first one about a foot's length away.  Then just try to roll the ball backwards on your takeaway.       

Drill 4:

Helpful drill for people who tend to take the club back too far inside.  Split your hands at address and make sure the club goes back along the line of the orange stick on the ground (you can use a club too)