Stop Pulling Driver Shots! | Tuck & Turn Shoulder Drill

Tired of seeing your driver shots slice right or hook left? Implementing a few simple tweaks can transform your game. The primary fix starts with mastering the tuck and turn drill, ensuring you’re setup for success with every swing.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Set Up to Stop Pulling Driver Shots
• Step 2: Use the Tuck and Turn Shoulder Drill
• Step 3: Start the Downswing with the Trail Shoulder Inside and Underneath
• Step 4: Create Backswing Depth
• Step 5: Feel the Exit Path — Swing Out to the Right After Impact
• Step 6: Check Clubface Angle
• Step 7: Practice Progression for Permanent Results
• Common Faults and Quick Fixes
• Tools and Drills to Accelerate Progress
• How Does Tucking the Trail Shoulder Reduce Pulls?
• Final Thoughts

Step 1: Set Up to Stop Pulling Driver Shots

Setting up correctly is essential. Begin with a slight tilt away from the target; your lead side (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee) should be slightly elevated compared to the trail side.

• Why this tilt matters: Aids in keeping the trail shoulder lower during the downswing, preventing the club from swinging outwards.
• Ball position: Align the ball with your lead armpit or shirt logo to maintain a neutral path.
• Tuck the trail shoulder: Slightly pull back your right shoulder to set up the inside-swing path.

Step 2: Use the Tuck and Turn Shoulder Drill

The tuck and turn drill anchors your setup and translates into an effective swing.

1. Start with the setup feeling: Ensure your left side is higher, the ball is under your armpit, and the right shoulder is tucked back.
2. Turn your shoulders: Rotate your shoulders on the backswing, letting your hands move deeper into position.
3. Check your top: The hands should finish behind the shoulder, setting an inside delivery.

Step 3: Start the Downswing with the Trail Shoulder Inside and Underneath

Initiate the downswing by keeping the trail shoulder inside and slightly lower.

• Inside and behind: Visualize the trail shoulder staying behind the lead.
• Underneath: This promotes a shallow and powerful ball strike.
• Hold it until club is parallel: This early phase influences your swing path significantly.

Step 4: Create Backswing Depth

Your setup determines your swing path. Adequate backswing depth lets you swing from inside.

• Turn the torso: Rotate your upper body for shoulder depth.
• Hands behind the shoulder: Position your hands behind your right shoulder.
• Don’t end straight-up: Avoid finishing directly above the head; strive for depth.

Step 5: Feel the Exit Path — Swing Out to the Right After Impact

If you still experience pulls, focus on swinging the club to the right post-impact.

• Why it helps: Prevents the path from crossing and cuts across.
• How to feel it: Imagine a gentle draw post-impact.
• Keep the earlier pieces: Ensure the correct shoulder positioning first.

Step 6: Check Clubface Angle — Square the Face to the Path

The swing path is moot if the clubface misaligns at impact.

• Open face causes fades: Keep the face slightly closed to rectify path adjustments.
• Closed face causes hooks: Control the face to adjust shots.
• Use a quick face-check drill: Practice swings and assess face alignment in slow motion.

Step 7: Practice Progression for Permanent Results

Practice in sequence, mastering each step before advancing.

1. Address and preset: Ingrain left side elevation and shoulder tuck setup.
2. Half-swing backswing: Focus on shoulder rotation and hand positioning.
3. Drop into the downswing: Maintain the shoulder’s inside and underneath position.
4. Full swing with exit-path: Focus on ball exit direction while maintaining path.
5. Video feedback: Use recordings to analyze shoulder positioning.

Common Faults and Quick Fixes

• Fault: Trail shoulder dives out front early — Fix: Reinforce the tuck; slow-swing with shoulder discipline.
• Fault: Hands go straight up on the backswing — Fix: Enhance shoulder turn; visualize and practice with a mirror.
• Fault: Exit path stays left — Fix: Practice right-side finish gradually.

Tools and Drills to Accelerate Progress

• Slow-motion video: Review shoulder and hand positions.
• Shoulder-tuck drill: Address with the trail shoulder back; maintain the feeling through swings.
• Half-swing depth check: Concentrate on getting hands behind the trail shoulder.
• Exit target: Directional target; aim the clubhead at the finish.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the tuck and turn drill will shape your swing into a formidable technique that eliminates pulls and increases both accuracy and power. Practice these steps diligently to build a repeatable, reliable swing.