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.
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:
Proper shoulder mobility makes all of this possible.
Coach Josh McCumber recommends a quick drill to help your body feel the correct movement.
Here’s how to do it:
This drill trains your body to move the club into the correct position while improving shoulder mobility and control.
When your shoulders move properly:
Instead of fighting your swing mechanics, you allow your body to move the way it was designed.
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.