A Rope Exercise for Swinging at Home in the Winter
Whether it's cold, windy, or the golf course is closed, Paul Lambersens suggests continuing to work on your swing in the living room or the backyard—without hitting a ball. All you need is a rope to practice your swing sequence, rhythm, speed, and even your club path.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Paul Lambersens takes a rope folded in half, with a grip at one end (optional: you can hold it directly). In a golf stance, he starts with a small forward swing, then Take a step to the right for the backswing and a step to the left for the downswing. This movement makes itself felt the correct sequence: a motion that starts from the ground, engages the legs and the entire body, for a more effective swing and greater clubhead speed.
The string also serves as a guide along the path. For a slicer, it moves to the left and cuts across the line of play from the outside to the inside. We’re looking for the opposite: a rope moving to the right, using a smoother, more rounded motion—the draw. The progression: first with steps, then without steps while maintaining the same momentum, then with a weighted, flexible club if you have one, and finally starting from the address position like a normal swing. Make sure you have plenty of space: watch out for the TV and the chandelier.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Fold a rope in half and hold it like a club.
- In the golf stance, take a small step forward.
- Take a step to the right as you complete the backswing.
- Take a step to the left and start the downswing.
- Look at the rope: it should go to the right, not veer to the left.
- Repeat the movement without taking any steps, maintaining the same momentum.
- Finish by starting from the address position, just like a normal swing, using the rope or a flexible weighted club.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Run the rope to the left, from the outside to the inside.
- Swing only with your arms without using your legs.
- Don't remove the steps too soon, before you've gotten a feel for the sequence.
- Practice without leaving any space around you, near furniture or a chandelier.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Rope with backward and forward steps
- Then, without the steps, the same momentum
- A flexible weighted club, if you have one
- There's always room around you
Your Questions
Which rope should I use?
Paul Lambersens takes a rope a few meters long, folded in half, with a grip attached to one end. The grip isn't required—you can hold the rope directly with both hands.
How does the string help correct a slice?
It shows the path of the swing. If it veers to the left, it cuts across the line from the outside to the inside, like a slice. We’re looking for a path that veers to the right, with a more rounded motion—that of a draw.
Should we keep up the pace until the very end?
No. The steps are there to help you understand the sequence. Once you’ve gotten the feel for it, you swing without moving your feet, and then start from the address position just like a normal swing.
Can we replace the rope with a club?
Yes, using a slightly flexible weighted club, or then a real club, while maintaining the same momentum. Be careful not to hit any furniture.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paul Lambersens). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.
