Stop-and-Go Drill: Improve Swing Plane, Tempo, and Solid Ball Striking

Key Points

• Purpose of the Drill:
  Keeps the club in front of the body to avoid it getting too deep.Helps develop better tempo, sequencing, and on-plane movement.
• Brooks Koepka’s Early Swing Issue:
  As a junior, Brooks rolled the club too far inside due to a double-jointed elbow.This caused an angle between the club shaft and lead arm—ideal is for them to be in line on takeaway.
• How the Drill Works:
  Start the swing and stop at the top.Let gravity set the club and drop it naturally back into the slot.Then release through to impact.
• Benefits:
  Improves club path and plane.Syncs body and hands more effectively.Adds distance through better efficiency and timing.
• Instructional Highlights:
  Use practice reps before hitting.Focus on left shoulder rotation and letting the club fall naturally into place.Visual checkpoint: club shaft and left arm aligned at takeaway.
• Coach's Insight:
  Bottke used this drill often with Brooks to avoid hands getting ahead of the body.It teaches patience at the top and encourages natural rhythm.Results in more solid, accurate ball-striking.
• Pro Tip:
  Execute the swing at 80% tempo for best results.Great for players who rush the transition or get off plane early.This stop-and-go drill is a simple, powerful tool to refine your swing—just like Brooks Koepka did growing up.