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Low and slow works well on your takeaway
STORY TOOLS 
More from Golf TipsGiven that a player has a fundamentally sound grip and setup, the next most important move in the swing is the first couple feet that the clubhead travels in the backswing, known as the takeaway.
During this brief moment, the tempo, plane and arc of the swing begin to take shape. So it is crucial to have the club moving in the proper direction and speed in the takeaway.
The three most common faults are: lifting the clubhead up too abruptly with the hands and wrists, pulling the clubhead too far inside toward your rear foot and simply taking it back too quickly.
Instead, you should feel as if the arms and shoulders are leading the way and there is no manipulation with the hands and wrists.
The key words to remember are "low" and "slow."
A good drill I use to enforce this low and slow feeling is to put a tee in the ground one foot directly behind the ball on the target line.
The tee should be a half-inch above the grass. Now try to slowly clip the tee on your takeaway while taking a swing at the ball.
This will help make sure you are not falling victim to the any of the three most common faults.
— Chad Wright is a former Nationwide Tour player who is teaching golf at River Ridge Golf Course. He can be reached at 701-2677.
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