Start Direction & Shot Control
Thread the Needle
Clubface start direction Part of Start Direction & Shot Control training — score against par, track every attempt in the app, and see real improvement.
What this drill fixes
This golf practice drill is designed to give you a clear goal, a par to beat, and a score on every attempt — so you stop hitting balls with no plan and start measuring real improvement. Use it in the TeeBetter app to track your progress over time.
Equipment
Setup
Equipment Needed:
- Alignment Sticks (2)
How to play
- Create your needle
- Use two alignment sticks and place a few paces ahead of you in line with your target. Stick them into the ground to create a gate
- Make the needle as wide or as small as you like but the aim is to challenge yourself
- Hit 10 balls
- The goal is to get it through your needle (gate), as many times as you can out of 10
Scoring
Through the needle (gate) = 1 points
Miss the gate = -1 points
Target: Par 5 — Max possible: 7
Tips
A simple way to understand and influence swing path is to visualise a nail being driven through the
golf ball at impact.
Imagine:
A nail running through the centre of the ball
The direction that nail would point as it exits the ball represents your swing path
You’re not trying to change how you swing, you’re simply changing the direction you intend to drive
that nail.
Nail pointing slightly left → path more left
Nail pointing slightly right → path more right
This external visual gives your brain a clear task, without requiring
mechanical thoughts. Then all you need to do is match the face
angle to the path.
Why This Works
Your body is very good at organising movement when given a clear external intention.
By visualising the nail:
You influence swing path without thinking about positions
You avoid chasing technique
You create a task the brain can solve naturally
Small changes in intention can create noticeable changes in ball flight.
You’re not “fixing” the swing. You are testing cause and effect and practicing skill.
Common questions about Start Direction & Shot Control drills
How do I use golf practice drills effectively?
Pick one or two drills per session with a clear par to beat. Follow the setup and scoring rules, log every attempt, and track your scores over time so you can see improvement instead of relying on feel.
Where can I find structured golf drills with scoring?
TeeBetter offers 25+ scored challenges across strike control, start direction, tempo and distance, and pressure. Each drill has setup, how to play, and a par — use the app at the range to track your score and progress.
Practice this drill in the app — track every score, beat par, and see your progress over time. Free to start.