need a few drills!

[kobalt]

i am suddenly finding it impossible to hit my driver. constantly hitting the ground behind the ball or just hitting bad hooks. not sure where i picked up my bad habit but it is there. while playing on saturday one of my playing partners noticed that i am lining up aimed to the right (i am right handed) and said this was causing an over the top swing. i get away with it on my shorter irons but the longer the club the harder it is to get back to square. anybody have some good drills to help with my foot alignment? he did say to make sure that my heels were in a straight line to the target and not worry so much about the toes.

thanks for any help.

[Grumpter]

pick a spot some distance away and setup for your swing. Without moving your feet lay the club on the ground so the shaft touches the front of both feet. Step back and see where you were pointing. Pick up the club and try a new point in the distance.

Rinse and repeat until you are consistent.

[parbreaker]

Alignment is something that takes constant monitoring.

When I am on the range I use a couple of guide sticks (the bright yellow plastic sticks). I usually just use one along my target path between my ball and feet. It helps ensure that I am lined up correctly and it transfers to the course when I don't have the sticks. The key is to go through your whole setup and hit shots with the guide on the ground, that way you get used to how it feels.

One major key to keeping consistent alignment though, is a good preshot routine. It is very common for players to shift their feet and adjust as they are looking at the target while looking over the ball. When you are in that position your perceptions are altered and you invariably end up shifting yourself off line. A solid preshot routine will limit this, though the guide sticks (or another club works just as well on the range).

This is personal preference, but here's what I do regarding alignment in my preshot routine:

From directly behind the ball pick a spot on the ground 5-10 inches ahead of the ball that is on my target path.

Walk up to the ball and place the clubhead behind the ball, aimed directly at the spot in front of the ball. (The reason for this is because it is easier for your mind to line up)

With my grip taken, I stand with my feet together and the ball in the center and make sure that I am lined us square to the clubface (and thus the target line).

Step out with my left foot, then my right. Only once, making sure that they are still square. I dont' adjust or shift my feet around. I look back at the target and visualize my shot.

Alignment is one of those things that is simple, but easy to lose.

PS: I hope the description of the preshot routine makes sense. I am finding it hard to explain in text and feel like I am getting the effect through.