What Training Aids Do You Use?

[revkev]

I’ve been using the tempo trainer on my garmin S70 watch that I’m testing for MGS. We all know or should know that the proper swing tempo is 3:1 - regardless of how one swings the tempo should be a back swing that takes three times the long the of the down swing. 
 

I started on this a couple of days ago hitting balls into my backyard net. I was not in a good place to start. Played today and hit balls afterwards on the range - was able to get several swings to 2.9 but they were still too fast back, too fast down. So I pulled out my lagshot training club which my teacher loves and I hate. 
 

I hate it because you need to swing really slow with it or else the ball goes all over the place.  Keeping in mind the 3:1 ration though I was able to get this on the first swing and several thereafter:

Too slow - yes but a perfect 3:1 ratio.  So I grabbed my 6 iron and on the first swing hit this:

Nearly perfect tempo. The green lines mean this was very good. 
 

What’s your favorite training aid? Does it work? How has it changed your game for the good? 

[GolfSpy_APH]

If there is one thing that is consistent with my golf game, it is that it is not consistent. The strongest part of my game is putting and that is because I practice putting a lot! The other parts of my game don't get the same attention and struggle a bit more. 

I have seen many on the forum suggest and recommend various training aids. Some are clearly better than others for various fixes, so what are your favorites? What training aids do you find are the best and work the best?

My go-to is PuttOut, for full swing I am pretty basic with alignment sticks. What do you use?

[Richard Fahrney]

1. Alignment sticks 2. Sheffler reminder grip. 3. Rapsodo. 4. Putting mirror. 5. Video my swing. 

[Bill Nakayama]

Mach 3 Jet Stick, Speed Bomber & Iron Whip. Have a net & mat. A Swing Caddie SC 300, Swing Speed Radar with Tempo Timer, a Momentus Power Hitter, alignment sticks & Swing Impact trainer. Exercise equipment , slam ball, exercise bands/tubes, kettle & dumb bells, slam & exercise balls, & Rotex Motion handheld. 

[TMG_Golf]

Big ones for me are BLP launch monitor with hitting mat and net in the backyard combined with an iPhone to record my swing which keeps me swinging despite not much time to play golf lately. Also been using a downshift board to help with my recentering move. I always feel like I’m recentering decently until I watch the video and see I’m doing it much later than my feel would have me believe.  

[Donn lost in San Diego]

A heavy swing weight club.  I just add weight, nickels, quarters, to get a E or even F swing weight, use at the range.  I tape a ball to the top of an old driver for exercise at home on the lawn. (G 9 sw???)   No pricey doo-dads.  I have an old  60 deg wedge with 2 inch shaft extension, make it a swing weight E 3.  I use it in a small field where I have less than 100 yards available.  Builds abdom muscles.    

[cksurfdude]

I've gone through a bunch of different training/ swing aids - but the ones that are the most enduring, i.e. the most useful, to me are ...

• Swing Caddy - teaches you proper release point with an audible 'click' (has a short flexible shaft with an adjustable mechanism at the end)
• Orange Whips
• Putting mat
• Net in the garage

At the range I use alignment sticks. Sometimes. Should be more often!

I have a few tech devices but funny those don't get used as much.

[Dan Yates]

You know that scene in Tin Cup after he gets the “S-word”, and he’s covered in alignment aids, bungees, glasses, head brace, etc.?  That’s been me these last two years trying to get back into a better swing form after bad back injuries and right shoulder/bicep surgery.  I think I’ve tried almost every popular aid imaginable.  My $.02 worth on each below, in sort of order of use:

1. Eye-line putting mirror: really great both at home and practice green; still using every week to keep eyes over ball and starting line

2. Tour striker smart ball: like it, but I think a golf towel under my arms works better for training connection; in my closet these days

3. Tour striker PlaneMate: thought it made a ton of sense, but I already shallow my swing well so after about 3 weeks of using at home last year it has been in my closet (and would never bring it to a range - looks ridiculous); could be really useful for someone struggling with outside-in swing plane or coming over the top; never felt completely comfortable using it, and maybe would if I was certain I set it up correctly

4. Watson Golf Hanger: this one still comes out every few weeks to help me feel the proper turn away from the ground and hand setting, and squaring the club face in my downswing, but now that I’ve moved past that as a swing issue, I use it less often

5. David Leadbetter Straight Away tool: I’ll admit this is one I used then put away and then got it out again and am using more; after watching different instructors and pros (including Tiger explaining how he discusses it with Charlie) talk about the importance of the takeaway for the whole swing, I’ve been checking myself with it more.  I like how small and lightweight it is, and it’s easy to set up and use; still using

6. Lag Shot clubs: I kind of overdid my enthusiasm for these - I got the 7-iron first, then the driver, and a month or two later the wedge; I was convinced “lag” was my biggest issue with distance post surgeries (it was really mobility, weight transfer, and early extension), so after using the 7-iron for six months it hadn’t really translated to better compression or distance; I think getting one of them alone is good if lag and tempo are things you want to work on; still use once in a while for feel

7. Tour Striker Tool Kit: there’s a lot of different tools like this, but I use this almost every home swing training session, out on the range, and I credit it with really helping me understanding my swing plane and refine my shot shaping feels, as well as my takeaway consistency in rhythm for a full swing, and a problem I developed of over-shallowing which resulted in pull-hooking everything; love this tool - permanent keeper

8. ProSENDR wrist tool: I have a tendency to get ‘handsy’ in the impact zone which creates a lot of inconsistency and squaring issues; this tool plus the included video instruction has been helping me reduce the early releases and helped me with compression and a lower ball flight when I want it; I use it a lot in my home sessions and less so in my range sessions, but maybe once a week; still using

9. ARCCOS: I’ve always kept a lot of stats from my rounds, so this was a no brainer, and it has been my favorite tool all around since I started using it; strokes gained stats make a lot of sense when seen in the context of your scoring goals relative to players at that goal level (using scratch to try to get there by the end of the season); my only wish is that I could incorporate practice sessions and swing monitor data as seamlessly as on-course data, and wish I could separate out around-the-green club use from full swing inputs so the carry distances aren’t affected; but they have helped me focus my training sessions like almost nothing else I’ve tried; use every round

10. Rapsodo MLM - I was using the PRGR monitor with The Stack swing speed trainer, but it had a very limited number of parameters; the OG MLM seemed like a good compromise to get spin rate, attack angle, launch angle, etc., in addition to ball speed, club head, smash factor… and it has been really good, if maybe a little unreliable; it misses swings more than I’d like, and even though it says it will track four stats at a time, you can only display 3 at once, and it is frustratingly difficult to get what I want to see at one time, and it burns my phone battery quickly; I think for the price point I paid (after the MLM2 came out) it has been much better than the PRGR, but I would probably hold out for the MLM 2 or Swing Caddy SC4 if I could do it over; I still use it everyday I train

11. Golf Forever: YES!!  This is what the doctor ordered - for my back, core, balance, and power, the combination of foundational training, power, and injury prevention, mobility, range of motion, isometrics, and strength building has been amazing; where the Stack made me feel like I was headed toward reinjuring my back, I’ve seen a swing speed increase from the flexibility and rotational power and swing stability work in just 2 weeks; I can get up early and do them before work, do a foundational routine as a round warm up, and all of the technical points they include with proper form for each exercise, and offering intensity variations is game changing; plan on staying on this for the long haul and will update progress

Others:

The Stack: loved it and the app and program, but my 4 herniated discs in my lower spine really didn’t; had to stop it after a few months the more obvious it was that my back was paying for it

BirdieBall putting mat - got the higher speed 2’ wide and 18’ long mat and bring it with me on trips and vacations; lightweight, lies flat, and has been awesome for putting practice 

Performance Golf subscription: so far so good for working on my form and creating more consistency, speed, and accuracy in my swing

’Golf is Not a Game of Perfect’: gotta train the brain and this has been my go to over many years; just recommitted to it this summer and am already seeing the benefits of strategy work, focus, confidence, and staying in the present

 

[Hacker60521]

I think the only two training aids I use consistently are alignment sticks and lessons. 

[Donn lost in San Diego]

7 hours ago, Dan Yates said:

You know that scene in Tin Cup after he gets the “S-word”, and he’s covered in alignment aids, bungees, glasses, head brace, etc.?  That’s been me these last two years trying to get back into a better swing form after bad back injuries and right shoulder/bicep surgery.  I think I’ve tried almost every popular aid imaginable.  My $.02 worth on each below, in sort of order of use:

1. Eye-line putting mirror: really great both at home and practice green; still using every week to keep eyes over ball and starting line

2. Tour striker smart ball: like it, but I think a golf towel under my arms works better for training connection; in my closet these days

3. Tour striker PlaneMate: thought it made a ton of sense, but I already shallow my swing well so after about 3 weeks of using at home last year it has been in my closet (and would never bring it to a range - looks ridiculous); could be really useful for someone struggling with outside-in swing plane or coming over the top; never felt completely comfortable using it, and maybe would if I was certain I set it up correctly

4. Watson Golf Hanger: this one still comes out every few weeks to help me feel the proper turn away from the ground and hand setting, and squaring the club face in my downswing, but now that I’ve moved past that as a swing issue, I use it less often

5. David Leadbetter Straight Away tool: I’ll admit this is one I used then put away and then got it out again and am using more; after watching different instructors and pros (including Tiger explaining how he discusses it with Charlie) talk about the importance of the takeaway for the whole swing, I’ve been checking myself with it more.  I like how small and lightweight it is, and it’s easy to set up and use; still using

6. Lag Shot clubs: I kind of overdid my enthusiasm for these - I got the 7-iron first, then the driver, and a month or two later the wedge; I was convinced “lag” was my biggest issue with distance post surgeries (it was really mobility, weight transfer, and early extension), so after using the 7-iron for six months it hadn’t really translated to better compression or distance; I think getting one of them alone is good if lag and tempo are things you want to work on; still use once in a while for feel

7. Tour Striker Tool Kit: there’s a lot of different tools like this, but I use this almost every home swing training session, out on the range, and I credit it with really helping me understanding my swing plane and refine my shot shaping feels, as well as my takeaway consistency in rhythm for a full swing, and a problem I developed of over-shallowing which resulted in pull-hooking everything; love this tool - permanent keeper

8. ProSENDR wrist tool: I have a tendency to get ‘handsy’ in the impact zone which creates a lot of inconsistency and squaring issues; this tool plus the included video instruction has been helping me reduce the early releases and helped me with compression and a lower ball flight when I want it; I use it a lot in my home sessions and less so in my range sessions, but maybe once a week; still using

9. ARCCOS: I’ve always kept a lot of stats from my rounds, so this was a no brainer, and it has been my favorite tool all around since I started using it; strokes gained stats make a lot of sense when seen in the context of your scoring goals relative to players at that goal level (using scratch to try to get there by the end of the season); my only wish is that I could incorporate practice sessions and swing monitor data as seamlessly as on-course data, and wish I could separate out around-the-green club use from full swing inputs so the carry distances aren’t affected; but they have helped me focus my training sessions like almost nothing else I’ve tried; use every round

10. Rapsodo MLM - I was using the PRGR monitor with The Stack swing speed trainer, but it had a very limited number of parameters; the OG MLM seemed like a good compromise to get spin rate, attack angle, launch angle, etc., in addition to ball speed, club head, smash factor… and it has been really good, if maybe a little unreliable; it misses swings more than I’d like, and even though it says it will track four stats at a time, you can only display 3 at once, and it is frustratingly difficult to get what I want to see at one time, and it burns my phone battery quickly; I think for the price point I paid (after the MLM2 came out) it has been much better than the PRGR, but I would probably hold out for the MLM 2 or Swing Caddy SC4 if I could do it over; I still use it everyday I train

11. Golf Forever: YES!!  This is what the doctor ordered - for my back, core, balance, and power, the combination of foundational training, power, and injury prevention, mobility, range of motion, isometrics, and strength building has been amazing; where the Stack made me feel like I was headed toward reinjuring my back, I’ve seen a swing speed increase from the flexibility and rotational power and swing stability work in just 2 weeks; I can get up early and do them before work, do a foundational routine as a round warm up, and all of the technical points they include with proper form for each exercise, and offering intensity variations is game changing; plan on staying on this for the long haul and will update progress

Others:

The Stack: loved it and the app and program, but my 4 herniated discs in my lower spine really didn’t; had to stop it after a few months the more obvious it was that my back was paying for it

BirdieBall putting mat - got the higher speed 2’ wide and 18’ long mat and bring it with me on trips and vacations; lightweight, lies flat, and has been awesome for putting practice 

Performance Golf subscription: so far so good for working on my form and creating more consistency, speed, and accuracy in my swing

’Golf is Not a Game of Perfect’: gotta train the brain and this has been my go to over many years; just recommitted to it this summer and am already seeing the benefits of strategy work, focus, confidence, and staying in the present

 

Dan, may I offer this:  I deal with 69 year old arthritis and curved spine.  I learned the Alexander Technique 25 years ago when I had nerve entrapment in both elbows.  It is worth "learning".  It is a method for posture, movement, and balance.  It reduces the risk / severity of soft tissue injuries and chronic pain.  After I learned it, then physical therapy was more effective and resolved many pains.  I posted just above you, the only aids I use are weighted practice clubs.  I take old 7 iron, 3 wood, and tape money or such onto the head to get E or F swing weights.  and added 2 inches to a 60 wedge so I can build muscle hitting balls high in a short field E 5 swing weight.  Phys therapy with a Titleist TPI is great. I just came back from a 2 hr range session.  My best ever.  Retirement means I have the time to work out properly.

[Goober]

The planemate, always seems to help me feel a good transition.Also had the Gem, but never could figure out the purpose of it. Never really had a wobble 

[Swood1994]

I’ve only ever used alignment sticks for aids. They’re so versatile. I will be investing in a Rapsodo at some point next season though if that counts

[Byrnzee]

I started using the ProSENDR this year and I love it. It's been a great addition to my practice routine and helps me exaggerate certain feels and positions throughout the swing. Other than that, I mostly just use alignment sticks, as well as the ol' headcover under the armpit.

[Nick_Chilelli]

I’ve never really been a huge gadget person when it comes to training tools. I use a couple of alignment sticks on the range, and a putting mirror on the green. Everything else you could ever need you already have in your bag. Be it a head cover, towels, tees, water bottle, or an empty ball sleeve. The Tommy Fleetwood contact drill is one of the most effective drills you can do for mechanical work, and it doesn’t involve any added gadgets. I think a lot of golfers get so dependent upon swing and training aids that when their swings get off line, or their timing gets thrown off, that they don’t know how to correct it upon the course without a specific device. Throw a tri-pod down on the range, tape your swing while doing these drills and during free swings, and learn to feel errors in your swing. It’ll help you immensely, and you’ll be able to turn around a round after your swing gets offline.  

[barney_bogey]

Metal yardstick for putting start line is my latest "gadget" purchase. I try to roll 50 per day.

B

[revkev]

Interesting answers.  I do have alignment sticks but only because they came with my hitting net.  I've always just used a couple of clubs or old shafts.  I like the lag shot for tempo and my teacher likes it.  

I have been doing an interesting drill lately - one that he suggested.  I used to do a form of this a long time ago with driver where I'd take full swings and try and hit it to the 100, 150, 200 and 250 and then repeat the sequence a few times.  I'm doing it with 7 iron now and focusing much more on the swings being as smooth as possible rather than the results.  So far I've only been able to do it into my net because we have had a ridiculous amount of rain even before Debby.  It's going to be a while until our courses can reopen - we have over 11 inches of rain between yesterday at 10 AM and this morning.  

[PrayingForPar]

On 8/5/2024 at 3:30 PM, Nick_Chilelli said:

I’ve never really been a huge gadget person when it comes to training tools. I use a couple of alignment sticks on the range, and a putting mirror on the green. Everything else you could ever need you already have in your bag. Be it a head cover, towels, tees, water bottle, or an empty ball sleeve. The Tommy Fleetwood contact drill is one of the most effective drills you can do for mechanical work, and it doesn’t involve any added gadgets. I think a lot of golfers get so dependent upon swing and training aids that when their swings get off line, or their timing gets thrown off, that they don’t know how to correct it upon the course without a specific device. Throw a tri-pod down on the range, tape your swing while doing these drills and during free swings, and learn to feel errors in your swing. It’ll help you immensely, and you’ll be able to turn around a round after your swing gets offline.  

Do you have a link to the Fleetwood contact drill?

[cnosil]

16 minutes ago, WilliamYates said:

Do you have a link to the Fleetwood contact drill?