Practice Station

Question
Thanks, I was actually wondering about using the shaft for the backswing and downswing.  I've used the shaft for the backswing before and I wasn't a 100% if I was doing it correctly.  I set it along my feet line about 2 feet behind me to make sure that I wasn't bringing the club too far inside.  Is that correct?  Is there another method for using the shaft when working on your backswing.  What is the correct way for using the shaft to work with my downswing.  Thanks.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
What is the best way to set up a practice station at the range? I have seen pictures of Vijay Singh at the range and he seems to have a pretty elaborate set up with a shaft stuck in the ground that shows swing plane. When I am set up to the ball, where should I put the shaft in the ground. Thanks.

-----Answer-----
Andrew:

Good question.  I guess I would ask you what are you working on?  Do you need a swing plane shaft for what you are doing and working on?  If not, then simply lay two clubs down to give yourself correct alignment.  One club will be outside the ball parallel to the target line, the other club will be on the inside of the ball also parallel to the target line.  Make sure to stand back behind the ball to see that you have a railroad track, runway to the target.  The clubface is aimed up at the target, your shoulders, forearms and feet should be aimed parallel left of target.  If you need a old shaft to check swing plane, I would want to know if you need it for backswing work or coming down work (swing path) into the ball?  It makes a big difference where the shaft is placed.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member

Answer
Hi Andrew:
You are correct.  Shaft is set on the backswing about 2 ft. behind the ball on your TARGET LINE to make sure the club is swinging from slightly inside to square.  If a golfer is a little bit from outside to in, they will hit the shaft.  The angle the shaft in the ground should be representative of your swing plane.  To check to make sure your backswing is not too far inside, the shaft should be placed about half way BETWEEN YOUR TARGET LINE AND YOUR TOE LINE.  The idea there would be to swing your club above the shaft angle on the way back and then again on the return to the ball.  Good stuff Andrew.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member