Hold an alignment stick against your back touching head, mid-back and sacrum. Hinge from the hips, keeping all three contact points, until you reach your golf posture. Drop the stick, take your grip, and hit a ball keeping that back.
Down-the-line: a rounded back with the shoulders slumped forward, or over-flexed knees with the weight in the heels; the spine angle can't be sustained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the "Stick along the spine" drill for?
Build a hip hinge with a neutral spine
How do you do the "Stick along the spine" drill?
Hold an alignment stick against your back touching head, mid-back and sacrum. Hinge from the hips, keeping all three contact points, until you reach your golf posture. Drop the stick, take your grip, and hit a ball keeping that back.
How long does the "Stick along the spine" drill take?
About 10 minutes per session, 12 reps.
Sources
Titleist Performance Institute — Body-Swing Connection screening