The 9-to-3 Golf Drill: How to Improve Clubhead Release and Strike the Ball Consistently

Clint McCormick

Dec 15, 2025 . 6 mins read

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Very few drills address the release of the club because it is such a fast point of the swing. It can be challenging for recreational golfers to address this issue without professional help.

But with the 9-to-3 drill, golfers of all levels can improve their release, optimize their clubface, and achieve consistent ball-striking with all their clubs.

By using an abbreviated version of your swing, you will make full swings that much easier. If you can’t hit the correct positions during this area of the swing, then the chances of doing it in a full swing are slim to none.

Use the advice and instructions below to master this drill and start hitting better golf shots sooner than you think.

9-to-3 Golf Drill (Key Takeaways)

Do this drill while keeping these key points in mind to stay focused and get the most out of it.

• Keep your attention on the release point and where your clubface is pointed at all times.
• Always start the drill in slow motion to ensure the correct positions are being hit.
• Use the drill with Hackmotion to monitor wrist action, tempo, and other vital details of the swing.
• Use your bigger muscles, such as your torso and hips, to drive the swing while using less arms.
• Print out the instructions below to bring to the range and ensure you are doing everything correctly.

The 9 to 3 Drill Explained

The “9 to 3” golf swing drill is a training exercise designed to optimize clubhead release and develop proper wrist control and clubface awareness during the swing.

The “9 to 3” term refers to the positions of the club during the swing, using a clock analogy: “9 o’clock” is when the lead arm is parallel to the ground on the backswing, and “3 o’clock” is when the trail arm is parallel to the ground on the follow-through.

The drill has been popularized within the Hackmotion system, enabling golfers to receive real-time feedback on wrist and clubface angles and tempo control. This data helps players understand how their movements affect the shot, promoting better control and consistency.

By making repeated “9 to 3” swings, golfers can release the clubhead effectively, groove a square clubface at impact, and identify improper wrist patterns.

The shortened swing removes the complexity of a full swing, allowing golfers to isolate and improve the critical motion that influences direction and spin, leading to improved ball striking and accuracy on the course.

Who Benefits from the 9-to-3 Drill

• Beginners: Beginners struggle with basic swing fundamentals and often have difficulty maintaining consistent contact and clubface control. Noticeable improvement can happen in as little as a few practice sessions. They can expect greater confidence in striking the ball and more solid, straighter shots as they develop a repeatable motion.
• Golfers struggling with slices or hooks: These players often have poor wrist angles at impact, causing the clubface to be open (slice) or the club path to work from out to in. Grooving a new path may take longer than other issues, but visible progress in ball flight can be seen within 2–3 weeks of focused practice.
• Advanced golfers refining technique: Competitive golfers and low-handicappers use the drill to fine-tune wrist control for optimal shot shaping, power, and consistency. Progress can be slow (especially without Hackmotion), but gradual improvements over several weeks will emerge as subtle adjustments become ingrained.
• Golfers rebuilding after injury or swing changes: Focused, partial swings minimize physical stress and support relearning proper sequencing. Expect a smoother transition to full swings, restoring consistency and confidence.

Step-by-Step Instruction for the 9 to 3 Drill

Print these instructions and keep them in your golf bag for future practice sessions.

If you have Hackmotion, the on-screen instructions will guide you through, automatically ensuring you hit the correct positions along the way.

Common Mistakes Amateurs Make with this Drill

• Overusing the wrists and excessive hinging or flipping cause inconsistent clubface control.
• Rolling the forearms too much leads to a closed clubface and offline shots.
• Poor body rotation and reliance on the arms rather than the torso result in weak or misdirected shots.
• Lifting or “casting” the club causes early release, leading to loss of power and accuracy.
• A lack of consistent tempo rushes the swing and reduces control and repeatability.
• Not maintaining posture by standing up or dipping during the drill affects contact quality.
• Neglecting follow-through by stopping the swing abruptly instead of swinging smoothly through to 3 o’clock.
• Ignoring feedback and not using training aids, like HackMotion or mirrors, to monitor and adjust motion.

FAQs

Can I do the 9-to-3 drill indoors?

Yes, you can do the 9-to-3 drill indoors as long as you have space to swing a club. You do not need to hit balls to gain value from this drill.

Do I need HackMotion?

No, you do not need HackMotion, but using it in conjunction with this drill will yield results much faster. HackMotion can also help with other aspects of your game, so having it with you during all practice sessions is a key tool for improving your overall scores.

What aspects of golf does the 9-to-3 drill address?

The 9 to 3 drill will specifically address your ability to release the club effectively. This part of the swing can be difficult because it’s the fastest. Being able to release the club in a controlled manner will improve ball-striking consistency, direction, trajectory, and distance.

Final Thoughts

Every golfer should routinely perform the 9-to-3 drill because it targets a crucial point in the swing: the release point. Using the information above, golfers can now confidently improve their game, better prepare for rounds, and strengthen their confidence.

When used with HackMotion, the 9-to-3 drill is a cheat code available to all recreational golfers.

The app leads you through each position and only allows you to progress if your body is triggering the sensors correctly with proper swing positions. This system is like having a professional golf coach at your side and can help with every other aspect of your golf game.