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Driving · Start Direction

Driver - Thread the Needle

Learn to control start direction by threading a ball through an alignment stick gate. Clubface angle is key here. Part of Driving — Start Direction training — score against par, track every attempt in the app, and see real improvement.

Intermediate Par 7 Max 10 10 min ~10 balls
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Why this drill

What this drill fixes

Where the ball starts is almost entirely controlled by the club face at impact. Push it right, pull it left — the face is responsible. Start direction drills like this one train you to aim and deliver the face accurately, so you can hit the ball where you're aiming, fix a slice, or reduce a pull. This is the foundation of consistent ball-striking. Part of TeeBetter's Start Direction training.

Instructions

Practice steps

Preview the flow here — full setup, scoring, and every step unlock in the app.

01 — THE CHALLENGE

Driver - Thread the Needle

GOAL

Learn to control start direction by threading a ball through an alignment stick gate. Clubface angle is key here.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Driver Alignment Sticks
COACH TIPS
  • To play good golf we need to be able to control clubface and start direction. If a ball starts the wrong way it is always going to be a losing battle.
  • This drill is great for giving you the feelings you need in your setup and swing to get the ball to start online.

FAQ

Common questions about Start Direction drills

What's the best drill to fix my slice?

Start direction and face-to-path drills. Gate drills (like Thread the Needle, Shrinking Goal Posts) train where the ball starts by focusing on face angle; curve drills (Curve From the Line, Curve to the Line, The Big Miss) train face and path together so you can reduce curvature or learn to hit a draw. Use a par and score every shot so you have a number to improve.

How do I stop pushing or pulling the ball?

Face control and start-line awareness. Drills that focus on where the ball starts and gate work with half swings help you feel and see face direction at impact. Practice with a clear target and score so you get objective feedback instead of relying on feel alone.

Practice this drill in the app — track every score, beat par, and see your progress over time. Free to start.

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