Perfect Golf Alignment - Hank Haney's Method

Proper alignment is crucial for accuracy. Even with a perfect swing, poor alignment will send the ball in the wrong direction. Hank Haney explains how to align correctly to your target.

Alignment is one of the most overlooked fundamentals. Get it wrong, and you're aiming at the wrong target before you even start your swing.

You'll learn:

• How to align your body correctly
• Why alignment matters
• Common alignment mistakes
• Practice drills

Let's get you aiming at your target.

Why Alignment Matters

Proper alignment is crucial because:

• It determines where your swing goes
• It affects your swing path
• It impacts your ability to hit your target
• It's the foundation of accuracy

Without proper alignment:

• You're aiming at the wrong target
• Your swing path is affected
• You can't hit your target consistently
• You lose accuracy

With proper alignment:

• You're aiming at your target
• Your swing path is correct
• You can hit your target consistently
• You gain accuracy

Key Takeaways from Hank Haney's Method

The key elements of proper alignment:

• Feet parallel to target line - Not aimed left or right
• Hips parallel to target line - Match your feet
• Shoulders parallel to target line - Match your feet and hips
• Clubface square to target - Not open or closed
• Check from behind - Verify your alignment regularly

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Pick Your Target

What to do:

1. Pick a specific target (not just "the green")
2. Pick an intermediate target (a spot a few feet in front of your ball)
3. Visualize your ball going to the target
4. Commit to your target

Why it works: You can't align to a target you haven't picked. Be specific.

Common mistake: Not picking a specific target. Being vague makes alignment harder.

Step 2: Align Your Clubface

What to do:

1. Place your clubface behind the ball
2. Align it square to your target (or intermediate target)
3. Make sure it's not open or closed
4. Check it from behind the ball

Why it works: Your clubface determines where the ball starts. Get it right first.

Common mistake: Aligning your clubface to the wrong target. Check it from behind.

Step 3: Align Your Body

What to do:

1. Align your feet parallel to your target line
2. Align your hips parallel to your target line
3. Align your shoulders parallel to your target line
4. Check from behind the ball

Why it works: Your body alignment affects your swing path. Get it parallel to your target line.

Common mistake: Aligning your body to the ball, not the target. Align to your target.

Step 4: Verify Your Alignment

What to do:

1. Check from behind the ball
2. Verify your clubface is square to target
3. Verify your body is parallel to target line
4. Make adjustments as needed

Why it works: You can't see your alignment from address. Check from behind.

Common mistake: Not checking alignment. Check it regularly.

Drills to Practice This Technique

Drill 1: Alignment Stick Drill

Equipment: Alignment sticks, your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Place alignment sticks on the ground
2. One stick points at your target
3. One stick is parallel to it (for your feet)
4. Align your body to the sticks
5. Practice swinging along the target line

Reps: 20-30 swings

Success marker: Your body is aligned correctly. You're swinging along the target line.

Drill 2: Target Practice

Equipment: Your 7-iron, targets on the range

How to do it:

1. Pick specific targets on the range
2. Align to each target
3. Check your alignment from behind
4. Hit shots and see where they go
5. Adjust based on results

Reps: 20-30 shots

Success marker: You're hitting your targets more consistently.

Drill 3: Pre-Shot Routine

Equipment: Your 7-iron

How to do it:

1. Pick your target
2. Pick your intermediate target
3. Align your clubface
4. Align your body
5. Check from behind
6. Make your swing

Reps: 20-30 shots

Success marker: Your alignment becomes automatic. You check it every time.

Common Mistakes When Aligning

1. Aligning to the ball, not the target - Align your body to your target, not the ball.

2. Not checking from behind - You can't see your alignment from address. Check from behind.

3. Feet, hips, and shoulders not parallel - They should all be parallel to your target line.

4. Clubface not square - Your clubface should be square to your target, not open or closed.

5. Not picking a specific target - Be specific. Pick a target and commit to it.

Troubleshooting:

• Missing left? Your body might be aimed left. Check your alignment.
• Missing right? Your body might be aimed right. Check your alignment.
• Inconsistent? Check your alignment every time. Make it part of your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm aligned correctly?

Check from behind the ball. Your clubface should be square to your target, and your body should be parallel to your target line.

Should I align to the ball or the target?

The target. Align your body to your target, not the ball.

How often should I check my alignment?

Every time. Make it part of your pre-shot routine. Check from behind the ball.

What if I'm still missing my target?

If you're still missing:

1. Double-check your alignment—this is usually the issue
2. Use alignment sticks to verify
3. Check from behind the ball
4. Consider a lesson with a PGA professional

Can alignment affect my swing?

Yes. Poor alignment affects your swing path. Get your alignment right, and your swing path will improve.

Summary: Your Action Plan

Perfect golf alignment is crucial:

The Key Elements:

• Pick a specific target (and intermediate target)
• Align your clubface square to target
• Align your body parallel to target line (feet, hips, shoulders)
• Check from behind the ball
• Make it part of your routine

Your Practice Plan:

• Week 1: Focus on picking targets. Use the alignment stick drill.
• Week 2: Work on body alignment. Use target practice.
• Week 3: Combine everything. Use pre-shot routine.
• Week 4: Make it automatic. Check alignment every time.

Remember: Alignment is crucial. Get it right, and you'll hit your target more consistently.

Perfect alignment doesn't happen overnight. Practice it regularly, and it will become automatic. You've got this.

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