For those who struggle keeping the arms from dominating the golf swing, swinging a broom will quickly ingrain the proper rotary swinging motion required for the one plane swing. Hold an ordinary house broom in front of your body with arms extended. The wide profile of the broom should be perpendicular to the ground.
Swing the broom back behind you and then swing back through, noting the massive amount of resistance that the broom provides. If you swing the broom through impact position aggressively with the arms, you should note two things. This drill is one of the simplest ways to feel proper body rotation through the ball, and complements the feedback you get from an AI swing analyzer.
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One, because of the resistance, it does not swing through very smoothly unless you allow the rotation of the body to gradually accelerate the broom. And two, if you try and swing the broom with arms more so than the body, it will make a "swooshing" sound twice, once around impact and again thereafter. This is a telltale sign of arm-dominant swing mechanics that rob you of both power and consistency.
The desired effect is that the broom makes a gradual swooshing sound that reaches its peak well out in front of the body rather than near impact. This lets you know that you used your body to accelerate the club and not the arms — a fundamental principle of efficient golf swing sequencing. The GOAT Drill system is built around this same concept of using body-driven power to maximize your swing efficiency.
You should also note that using your body to accelerate the broom makes the swing feel much smoother, whereas it will feel somewhat jerky if you over-use your arms. Elite players consistently demonstrate this body-first acceleration pattern, with the trail side initiating the downswing and the lead side clearing through impact. Mastering this rotational power transfer is one of the most impactful changes any golfer looking to improve can make to their game.
How to Perform the Broom Drill
Learn to improve your golf swing by using a broom to enhance body rotation and reduce arm dominance.
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1
Hold the Broom Correctly
Begin by holding an ordinary house broom in front of your body with your arms fully extended. Ensure that the broom is perpendicular to the ground to set the proper position.
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2
Swing the Broom Back
Initiate the drill by swinging the broom back behind you. Focus on maintaining the correct posture and allowing your body to rotate naturally without forcing the movement with your arms.
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3
Swing Through Impact
As you swing the broom back through, pay attention to the resistance it creates. Aim to swing through impact using your body rather than your arms to ensure a smooth motion.
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4
Listen for the Swoosh
Listen for the sound the broom makes during the swing. A gradual swooshing sound that peaks in front of your body indicates proper body rotation and acceleration.
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5
Adjust Your Technique
If you hear two swooshing sounds, it suggests that your arms are dominating the swing. Adjust your technique to prioritize body movement, which will lead to a more efficient swing.
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6
Practice Regularly
Incorporate this drill into your practice routine to reinforce the body-first acceleration pattern. Consistent practice will help you master the rotational power transfer essential for a powerful golf swing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the broom drill in golf?
The broom drill is designed to help golfers who struggle with arm-dominant swings by promoting proper body rotation during the golf swing. By swinging a broom, players can feel the correct rotary motion needed for a one plane swing, which enhances swing efficiency and consistency.
How does the broom drill help with swing mechanics?
The broom drill provides resistance that encourages golfers to use their body for acceleration rather than their arms. This resistance helps to ingrain the feeling of body-first movement, leading to a smoother swing and improved power transfer, which is crucial for effective swing mechanics.
What should I listen for when performing the broom drill?
While performing the broom drill, you should listen for a gradual swooshing sound that peaks in front of your body. If the broom makes a 'swooshing' sound near impact, it indicates that you are using your arms too much, which can hinder your swing's power and consistency.
Why is body-driven power important in a golf swing?
Body-driven power is essential because it maximizes swing efficiency and consistency. Elite players utilize a body-first acceleration pattern, which allows for a smoother swing and better control, ultimately leading to improved performance on the course.
Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!
