The half swing teaches feel. Most kids try to crush every wedge — this drill is about distance control.

Equipment needed: A pitching or sand wedge, twenty balls, a target (towel, basket, or flag) 30 yards out.

Setup: A flat patch of fairway or practice green. Target laid out 30 yards.

How to run it:

  1. Take the club back to about waist height. Not full backswing.
  2. Swing through, finish with hands at chin height.
  3. The whole motion should be the same length back and through.
  4. Twenty balls. Goal: ten land within five paces of the target.

What to look for: A balanced finish. If the kid falls forward or back, they swung too hard. The half swing should feel almost lazy.

Variation: Add a 50-yard target after the 30-yard set. Same swing length — they have to club up to a longer iron to cover the distance.