Written by Brendon Elliot

 

Improving your golf swing doesn’t always require expensive gear or access to a golf course. In fact, there are plenty of highly effective drills that can significantly improve your swing that do not require anything but you! There are numerous effective drills that you can perform without any equipment, both indoors and outdoors. These exercises can enhance your swing mechanics, balance, and overall performance. Let’s explore some go-to drills to practice whenever and wherever you are:

 

Indoor Drills

Mirror Drill

One of the most beneficial indoor drills involves nothing more than a mirror. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and focus on your setup, posture, and alignment. Here’s how:

• Setup: Assume your standard golf stance as if preparing to hit a shot.
• Observation: While looking into the mirror, analyze your posture. Ensure your back is straight, knees flexed, and feet shoulder-width apart.
• Swing Motion: Practice your backswing and follow-through movements in slow motion, paying attention to your form and balance.

This drill helps you internalize proper mechanics by providing visual feedback, reinforcing good habits, and correcting flaws in your setup and swing.

 

Wall Drill

The wall drill is excellent for discovering the right plane of your swing and preventing an over-the-top move:

• Setup: Stand with your back to a wall so your heels are about 6 inches away from it.
• Swing Path: Perform a slow-motion backswing, keeping your hands close to your body and avoiding contact with the wall. If you find yourself hitting the wall, adjust your swing to keep it on the correct plane.
• Downswing: As you begin the downswing, ensure your hands move downward rather than outward, which helps prevent slices.

This drill ensures you’re swinging on the correct plane, promoting a more consistent and effective swing path.

 

Outdoor Drills

Shadow Swing Drill

Sunshine and your shadow are all you need for this outdoor drill:

• Setup: Stand so that your shadow is clearly visible in front of you.
• Swing Motion: Practice your swing while watching your shadow, focusing on form and rhythm. Pay special attention to the position of your head, shoulders, and hips during the swing.
• Consistency: Repeat this exercise, aiming for a smooth and repeatable swing, ensuring the shadow moves consistently through the swing arc.

Using your shadow as a guide provides instant feedback on your swing mechanics, especially in maintaining a steady head position and proper body rotation.

 

Footwork Drill

Proper footwork is crucial for balance and power in your golf swing. This drill focuses on the movement and positioning of your feet:

• Setup: Stand in your normal stance on a flat surface somewhere outside, such as in your backyard or at a park.
• Swing Motion: Perform your golf swing, but concentrate solely on the movement of your feet and weight transfer.
• Weight Shift: Focus on shifting your weight from the back foot to the front foot during the downswing and follow through to ensure a balanced finish.

Practicing without the distraction of a club allows you to develop a keen sense of balance and weight distribution, which is vital for a powerful and controlled swing.

 

Bonus Indoor Drill: The Towel Drill

An additional indoor drill that you can easily incorporate into your routine involves a common household item – a towel:

• Setup: Roll up a towel and place it under your armpits.
• Swing Motion: Practice your swing while keeping the towel in place.
• Feedback: Ensure that the towel doesn’t fall out during your swing, indicating that your arms and body are working together.

This exercise is fantastic for synchronizing your upper body and arm movements, promoting a connected and cohesive swing.

 

Wrap Up

By incorporating these no-equipment drills into your practice routine, you can significantly enhance your golf game without stepping onto a golf course or investing in expensive equipment. These exercises improve your fundamentals and build awareness of your body mechanics, leading to more consistent and powerful swings. Consistent practice, even in small spaces, can yield substantial improvements. So grab a mirror, step outside, and let your shadow help guide you to a better swing!

See more No Equipment Drills in the V1 GOLF app. Click below to download and start your free 7 day trial!

 

 

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is a multiple award-winning Golf Professional based in Central Florida. He is the 2017 PGA of America’s National Youth Player Development Award Winner and is the recipient of more than 25 other industry awards with a focus on Coaching & Education. He is considered by his peers as an industry expert on topics ranging from Jr. Golf Development to Operations to Industry Sustainability. He is the founder of the Little Linksters Golf Academies and the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, a 501c3 nonprofit also based out of Central Florida. Brendon is also a freelance golf writer for PGA.com, Golf Range Magazine and several other golf websites and blogs. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. You can learn more about Brendon at BrendonElliott.com and Little Linksters at littlelinksters.com.