Train Your Turn: Using Alignment Sticks to Improve Rotation
If you’ve ever felt like your swing lacks power or consistency, there’s a good chance your body isn’t rotating properly. Rotation — not sway, not slide — is the engine of a great golf swing. And the best part? You don’t need high-tech gear to train it. A single alignment stick can help you build a more connected, athletic, and repeatable move.
Here’s how to use your Pivot Golf alignment stick to develop proper rotation — whether you’re on the range, in your garage, or just killing time in the backyard.
🌀 Why Rotation Matters
Good rotation allows your body to coil and uncoil efficiently, storing energy in the backswing and releasing it through the ball. Without it, you’re either flipping with your hands, sliding off the ball, or robbing yourself of distance and consistency.
Alignment sticks give you clear feedback so you can feel what a proper turn looks like — and more importantly, what it doesn’t.
🔧 Drill 1: Stick Across the Shoulders (Turn and Tilt)
What It Trains: Shoulder turn and posture
Place the alignment stick across your shoulders, holding it like a barbell behind your neck.
Take your golf posture.
Rotate your shoulders so the end of the stick points down toward your target line at the top of your backswing.
✅ Good sign: The stick points behind the ball with minimal sway.
❌ Bad sign: Your hips slide or the stick lifts upward — this means you're standing up or swaying, not turning.
🔧 Drill 2: Stick Along the Spine (Hip Rotation Check)
What It Trains: Lower body stability and hip rotation
Hold an alignment stick vertically along your spine with both hands.
Get into golf posture and rotate your torso back and through, keeping the stick close to your back.
Watch in a mirror or film yourself. You should see the hips turning, not sliding.
This is a great way to check if you’re maintaining posture or “coming out of your shot.”
🔧 Drill 3: Stick on the Ground, Heel to Target Line
What It Trains: Rotation around a stable base
Lay a stick down along your heel line.
Hit shots or make practice swings focusing on rotating your chest and hips without stepping outside that line.
If your back foot slides or your hips move laterally, you're swaying instead of rotating.
This drill is simple and powerful — especially for players who lose balance or shift too much laterally.
🎯 The Goal: Power With Control
You don’t need to be on the PGA Tour to rotate like a pro. But you do need to train it. A repeatable turn, built around your spine and stable base, allows you to hit the ball farther with less effort — and with way more consistency.
Using a Pivot Golf custom hickory alignment stick, you not only get great feedback, but you add style and tradition to your practice routine. These aren’t just tools — they’re part of your identity as a player who’s serious about improving.
Final Thoughts
Every powerful swing starts with a proper turn. With just one alignment stick and a little space, you can train your body to rotate like the best in the world. Add it to your routine and watch your game change from the ground up.
Ready to rotate with purpose?
Grab your own custom hand-painted hickory alignment stick from Pivot Golf and start training with tradition.
