In general, there are two types of swing cues: internal and external. Internal swing cues focus attention on a body part. For example, “keep your arms straight.” External swing cues focus attention on something outside the body. For example, “swing out over the yellow paint stir stick.” What’s the best swing cue? Research shows internal swing cues interfere with the timing and sequence of motion. You’re essentially micromanaging your body parts! Ideally, swing cues are external. Focus on what (e.g., club) and where (e.g., yellow paint stir stick), not how.
APPLICATION: Struggling with following through to the target…the classic “chicken wing?” In the photo above, a simple paint stir stick is used to help a player extend out to the target for solid contact (“swing over the paint stir stick”).
Struggling with coming over the top? Directing a player’s attention on where they’re swinging can also help with swing path. Swing to the right of the paint stir stick (right-handed player). The paint stir stick serves as a simple external swing cue and is my favorite kind of training aid: portable and affordable!