What Is the Square to Square Golf Swing?

If you're tired of battling a big hook or a relentless slice, the square to square golf swing just might be the path to consistency and accuracy you’ve been hoping for. Unlike more traditional swings that require a lot of timing to open and close the clubface, this method is all about keeping things simple and straight. This article will break down exactly what the square to square swing is, how to perform it step-by-step, and provide some simple drills to get you started on the course or at the range.

What Is the Square to Square Golf Swing, Exactly?

The square to square golf swing is a method focused on minimizing the rotation of the clubface relative to the swing path. The name says it all: the goal is to keep the clubface square to the target line at address, square at the top of the backswing (relative to the path), square at impact, and even square for a moment in the follow-through.

Think about a traditional "swinging gate" style swing. As you take the club back, the clubface naturally "opens" relative to the target line. On the downswing, you have to perfectly time the "closing" or release of that clubface to get it back to square at the exact moment of impact. If your timing is slightly off, you get a hook or a slice. It works wonders for the pros who practice for hours every day, but for the average golfer, timing that release consistently can be a huge challenge.

The square to square method takes a lot of that timing out of the equation. By reducing the forearm rotation and keeping the clubface more stable throughout the motion, it greatly simplifies the act of returning the club to the ball. The idea is to hit straighter, more predictable shots by simply removing the variables that cause those big misses.

The Step-by-Step Guide to the Square to Square Method

Let's walk through the key positions of this swing. You’ll notice it’s less about a huge, free-flowing rotation and more about a controlled, connected movement.

Step 1: The Setup - Building a Stable Foundation

Everything starts from a solid setup designed to promote the square position.

• The Grip: Many coaches of this method recommend a slightly "stronger" grip than neutral. For a right-handed golfer, this means your left hand might be rotated a little more to the right on the club, so you can see two to three knuckles. Your right hand slides underneath to match. This position naturally encourages the clubface to stay square or even slightly closed, preventing you from fanning it open in the takeaway. Hold it in your fingers, not your palms, for better control.
• Stance and Posture: Take your normal athletic stance, about shoulder-width apart for a mid-iron. Ball position will be on the middle of the chest for a starting point. Lean over from your hips, letting your arms hang down naturally. The goal is to feel stable and connected to the ground.
• Alignment: Since you aren't planning to curve the ball, your alignment is direct. Your feet, hips, and shoulders should be set up parallel to your target line.

Step 2: The Takeaway - A "One-Piece" Move

This is where the square to square swing immediately feels different. Instead of rolling your wrists and opening the clubface, the first move is a "one-piece" takeaway.

Imagine a triangle formed by your shoulders and arms at address. The goal is to move that entire triangle back together. Your chest, arms, hands, and the clubhead all start moving away from the ball as a single, connected unit. There is very little, if any, independent hand or wrist action. As the club moves back, the clubface should feel like it's staying looking at the ball for as long as possible. A good checkpoint is when the club is parallel to the ground, the leading edge should be matching your spine angle, not pointing straight up to the sky.

Step 3: The Backswing - Controlled Turn, Not a Huge Windup

As you continue from the takeaway, the movement is powered by the rotation of your torso, not by lifting your arms. You will turn your shoulders and hips, but it will feel more compact than a traditional swing. You're not aiming for a massive turn here, you're aiming for a controlled turn where your arms stay in front of your chest.

The key checkpoint is at the top of the swing. Because you didn't roll your wrists open on the way back, the clubface position will look different. For a traditional swing, the face would be parallel to your lead arm. In a square to square swing, the clubface will be angled more towards the sky. This is sometimes called a "shut" face position at the top, but it's really just square to the arc of the swing.

Step 4: The Downswing and Impact - Return to Sender

The beauty of this method shines on the downswing. From that "shut" position at the top, you don’t have to do anything complicated with your hands to get the face square. Your job is simply to unwind your body.

Start the downswing by shifting your weight稍 slightly to your lead foot and unwinding your hips and chest back toward the target. Since the clubface is already in a powerful, square position, you just need to deliver it to the ball. The feeling is less of a "whip" and more of a powerful "body blow." You're leading with your body's rotation, and the hands and arms are just coming along for the ride. The result is a wonderfully solid, compressed impact with your hands ahead of the ball, just what all good golfers strive for.

Step 5: The Follow-Through - Extending Towards the Target

Just as you didn’t roll the club open on the way back, you don’t aggressively roll it closed on the way through. After impact, try to feel like you are keeping the clubface looking at the target for as long as possible. This encourages a feeling of extension through the shot.

The follow-through is often more abbreviated and lower than a traditional, high-finish swing. Many describe it as feeling like you're hitting a low "punch" shot, even with a mid-iron. Your body fully rotates to face the target, but your arms don't fly up high around your head. It’s a very controlled, balanced finish.

Is the Square to Square Swing for You? The Pros and Cons

No single swing method is perfect for everyone. Here’s an honest look at where this swing shines and where it might fall short.

Pros:

• Increased Accuracy: This is the number one benefit. By taking clubface rotation and release timing out of the mix, you'll naturally reduce side spin. Slices and hooks can become a thing of the past. It’s fantastic for hitting fairways and greens.
• Simplicity and Consistency: Fewer moving parts means fewer things can go wrong. Many amateur golfers find it easier to learn and repeat, especially under pressure.
• Great for Certain Players: Golfers with limited flexibility often find a lot of success with this method, as it doesn’t require a massive body turn to generate power.

Cons:

• Potential Loss of Distance: Some players who depend on a free-wheeling release to create clubhead speed might find they lose a few yards. The power comes from body rotation and solid-ness of strike, not raw speed.
• Shot-Shaping Challenges: While you can still shape the ball, the method is designed to produce straight shots. Intentionally hitting big draws and fades becomes less intuitive.
• Can Feel "Restrictive": For golfers used to a fluid, rhythmic swing, the square to square method can feel mechanical or restrictive at first.

Simple Drills to Practice the Square to Square Method

Ready to give it a try? Here are a couple of my favorite drills to help you feel the key movements.

1. The Takeaway Press Drill

Get into your setup. Place an alignment stick or a second golf club on the ground, just outside your golf ball and parallel to your target line. As you begin your one-piece takeaway, focus on keeping the clubhead tracing that line on the ground for the first couple of feet. The face shouldn't fan open, it should remain pointing down at that line. This ingrains the feel of a square, connected start to your swing.

2. The Impact Bag Punch

An impact bag is one of the best tools for this swing. Set up to the bag as if it were a ball. Make your backswing, aiming to replicate that shut-face position at the top. On the downswing, deliver the club into the bag with a solid thud. The goal is to have the clubface perfectly square to the bag at impact, with your hands ahead of the clubhead. Hold that impact position for a second. This drill gives you instant feedback on whether you’re returning the club to a square position or flipping your wrists.

3. The Abbreviated Finish Drill

Hit some half-swing shots with a 9-iron or pitching wedge. Your goal is simple: after you strike the ball, stop your follow-through when your hands are about chest high. At this point, the clubface should still be facing your target (or very close to it), not rolled over. This drill trains your body to extend through the ball without an unnecessary and often ill-timed wrist release.

Final Thoughts

The square to square golf swing offers a simplified, repeatable approach that prioritizes accuracy by minimizing clubface rotation. If you struggle with consistency and want to take the wild hook or slice out of your game, committing to this direct method could be a complete game-changer for your iron play.

As you go through the process of trying a new swing, I know you’ll have a million little questions along the way. "Does this grip look correct?" or "Am I taking the club back on the right path?" I built a personal, on-demand golf expert to help with exactly these situations. With Caddie AI, you can get instant, 24/7 coaching right on your phone. Snap a photo of your ball in a tricky lie or ask a question about your setup, and you'll get clear advice to help you learn faster and play with more confidence, without judgment.