5 Simple Golf Drills You Can Practice at Home

Improving your golf game doesn’t always require a trip to the driving range. With a little space and a few basic items, you can work on several important parts of your game at home.
These five simple drills can help you build better habits, sharpen your short game, and feel more confident the next time you step onto the course.
Practice Your Putting Distance Control
Good putting is about more than choosing the correct line. You also need to control the speed of the ball.
Place three targets on the floor at different distances. Putt one ball toward each target, trying to stop it as close as possible without rolling past it. If you’re practicing indoors, coins, pieces of tape, or small cups can make useful targets.
Focus on making a smooth stroke and changing the distance by adjusting the length of your motion—not by suddenly hitting the ball harder.
Check Your Alignment
Many golfers struggle with alignment without realizing it. Fortunately, it’s easy to practice at home.
Place a club or alignment stick on the ground and point it toward a target. Set up with your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders parallel to the line. Practice stepping into this position until it begins to feel natural.
Better alignment helps you swing toward the target more consistently and reduces the temptation to make unnecessary adjustments during your swing.
Improve Your Balance
A balanced swing makes it easier to generate power while maintaining control.
Take slow practice swings and hold your finish for five seconds. Your weight should be mostly on your front foot, with your chest facing the target and your body under control. If you’re falling forward, backward, or to the side, slow the motion down and try again.
You can perform this drill without a ball, making it a safe and convenient option for indoor practice.
Use a Towel to Build Connection
Place a small towel under both arms and make a few half-swings without letting it fall. This encourages your arms and upper body to work together instead of moving independently.
Keep the motion relaxed and controlled. The goal isn’t to make a full or powerful swing—it’s to develop a more connected movement that you can carry onto the range.
Make sure you have plenty of room before swinging a club indoors.
Rehearse Your Pre-Shot Routine
A consistent routine can help you feel calmer and more focused on the course.
Choose an imaginary target, picture the shot you want to play, take a practice swing, and settle into your address position. Repeat the same sequence several times until it feels comfortable.
Practicing your routine at home can make it easier to trust your preparation when you’re faced with a challenging shot.
Make Home Practice a Habit
You don’t need to practice for hours to see progress. Spending 10 or 15 focused minutes on one skill can be more valuable than a long session without a clear purpose.
Choose one or two drills, practice them consistently, and pay attention to how they affect your game. Small improvements made at home can lead to greater confidence and better results on the course.