Across the Line
Also known as: across the line at the top, crossing the line, crossed the line at the top, club across the line, across-the-line backswing, crossing the line at the top
The club is across the line when, at the top of the backswing, the shaft points right of the target for a right-handed golfer (left of it for a left-hander). It often comes with a long backswing or a flying trail elbow. Many coaches link it to an inside-out path with blocks and hooks, though some players shallow the club and play well from it.
Across the line usually goes with a club that sits high above the hands and often past parallel. The trail elbow may fly up and away from the body, or the lead wrist may cup. An arm swing that keeps going after the shoulders stop turning is another common cause. So is a turn that lifts rather than rotates.
From there, many coaches find the club drops too far behind the golfer in the downswing. It then reaches impact on a path well right of target. With the face square to that path the ball is pushed. With the face closed to it the ball hooks. When the golfer senses this and fights it, the hands often flip at the ball.
Some great players have crossed the line and shallowed the club early in the downswing. What happens next matters more than the top itself. To tighten it, feel the trail elbow point more toward the ground and keep the lead wrist flatter. Stop the backswing when the shoulders finish turning. A shorter, quieter top often puts the shaft back on line.
Tips by skill level
Make slow backswings and stop when your shoulders stop turning. Have a friend stand behind you and say where the shaft points.
If you cross the line but deliver the club well, leave it. If your path runs far right of target, a flatter lead wrist at the top often shortens the swing and moves the shaft back on line.
Example
Her drives start right and stay right. On video from behind, her driver shaft points well right of the target at the top, with her trail elbow high. A shorter backswing with the elbow pointing down puts the shaft on line, and her drives start closer to target.
Why it matters
An across-the-line top is a common source of a push or a hook. Spotting it on video helps you fix the backswing rather than fight the ball flight with your hands.
Common mistakes
- Letting the trail elbow fly up and away at the top
- Swinging the arms long after the shoulders stop turning
- Cupping the lead wrist at the top
- Changing the top position without checking what the club does next
Frequently asked questions
What does across the line mean in golf?
It means the club shaft points right of the target at the top of the backswing for a right-handed golfer. For a left-hander it points left. It is the opposite of laid off.
Does being across the line cause a hook?
It often goes with one. The club tends to drop behind the body and approach from too far inside. That path, with a face closed to it, curves the ball left for a right-hander.
How do I stop crossing the line at the top?
Keep the trail elbow pointing more toward the ground, keep the lead wrist flatter and stop the arms when the shoulders finish turning. A shorter backswing often fixes it.
Related terms
- Laid Off at the TopThe club is laid off when, at the top of the backswing, the shaft points left of the target for a right-handed golfer (right of it for a left-hander). It is the opposite of across the line. Many coaches link a strongly laid-off top to a steep, out-to-in downswing, but many good players swing from a slightly laid-off position.
- Flying ElbowA flying elbow is the trail elbow lifting up and away from the body during the backswing. It disconnects the arms from the torso's rotation and often produces an overly steep, arms-dominant swing.
- Cupped WristA cupped wrist is a lead wrist bent backward (away from the palm) at the top of the backswing. It opens the clubface and often contributes to slices or weak fades.
- OverswingOverswinging means the backswing goes too far, usually past parallel, with the body losing its structure to get there. Signs include the lead arm folding, the grip loosening and the trail elbow flying. Stopping the backswing when the shoulders finish turning usually fixes it.
- In-to-OutIn-to-out describes a clubhead travelling rightward across the target line as it meets the ball, for a right-hander. It is the delivery direction underneath draws, hooks and pushes.
- Blocked PushA blocked push is a straight shot that starts and stays right of target, with almost no curve. The clubface matches an in-to-out path, but the whole delivery is aimed too far right.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into practice
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