If your golf swing looks like a lightning rod—with the club pointing straight up instead of toward the target line—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common swing faults golfers struggle with, and it often comes down to limited shoulder mobility and poor positioning at the top of the backswing.
The good news? With a simple adjustment and a quick drill, you can improve both accuracy and consistency.
What Your Swing Should Look Like
According to Coach Josh McCumber, the club should be positioned so it’s pointing toward the target line at the top of your backswing.
When golfers lack shoulder mobility, they tend to lift the club vertically instead of rotating properly. This creates that “lightning rod” look—where the club points straight up and leads to inconsistent strikes.
Instead, the goal is to:
- Maintain good shoulder rotation
- Keep the club on plane
- Allow the club to naturally point toward the target line
Proper shoulder mobility makes all of this possible.
The Shoulder Mobility Drill
Coach Josh McCumber recommends a quick drill to help your body feel the correct movement.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take your golf club and place it behind your back.
- Begin rotating your shoulders while keeping your posture.
- Externally rotate your shoulders as you move.
- Feel the club move into a position where it points toward the target line.
This drill trains your body to move the club into the correct position while improving shoulder mobility and control.
Why This Matters for Your Golf Game
When your shoulders move properly:
- Your backswing gets on plane
- You improve accuracy and consistency
- You generate a more efficient swing
Instead of fighting your swing mechanics, you allow your body to move the way it was designed.
Train Your Body to Swing Better
Improving your swing isn’t just about hitting more balls—it’s about training your body to move correctly.
Inside the Hit It Great app, you’ll find drills and programs designed to improve mobility, strength, and golf-specific movement so your swing becomes more efficient and repeatable.
Start training smarter and build a swing that actually works with your body.
Try Hit It Great today and start moving—and swinging—better.
