The 'Swingpath' is the second of the '3 Mechanical Laws' and it is most responsible for 'Direction'.  Remember the club is a tool and it is designed to be used in a certain way.  If we continuously swing a hammer into a nail from the wrong direction we will continuously bend the nail, period!   Just like a hammer follows a correct path into a nail, the club must be swung into the ball on a correct path. 

When the club comes into the ball from the wrong direction we create problems for the upcoming 'release-action'. 

'Over-the-top', 'steep'. and 'trapped' are common phrases used to described 'swingpath' problems.  Whatever we call it the bottom-line is, if we are swinging the club into the ball from a poor direction...we're 'gonna 'bend the nail' every time. 

  TGM Path-  The Angle that we create for power needs to be moved through a good swingpath for direction.  The Angle / The Swingpath / and The Release-Action all work 'together'.  When one of the three is 'off', the other two will be 'off' as well.  Because this movement is all happening quite fast and really cannot be 'thought-about' or 'consciously controlled' as we do it, 'getting-it', can be 'tricky', to say the least!  But...if you 'stay on your path'...you will 'get-it', we promise!

The 'Swingpath' is your movement from Position #2 to Position #3 and is most responsible for your direction.

Use the 'Ready / Set / Go!' Drill to Feel & Develop Your Swingpath

                 
Position #2: - "Set"                                       Position #3: - "Go!"

Since 'Swingpath' has to do with direction we have to view this action from a 'down-the-target-line' perspective.  Remember, we're moving from Position #2 (Set) to Position #3 (Released) here.  Our focus at this point is to feel the arms dropping down directly toward the ball.

1.  Having turned your shoulders correctly from a good 'ready' position at 'set-up'... feel your arms 'set' across your shoulders at the top of your backswing.  
2.  This position is similar to what a baseball or softball player would feel like as they stand in the batter's box 'ready for the pitcher to throw the ball toward them. 
3.  At this point you have 'maintained a good spine angle' and your arms have rotated in such a manner that your thumbs are pointing up and slightly behind you.
4.  In order to promote 'good connection' between your arms and your body, you should feel that your arms are setting across or slightly under your shoulders.  Notice above how the shoulders have 'turned' in a good 'tilted' manner, this keeps the shoulders 'turning in line with the spine' as you would if you were standing straight up.
                (1 through 4 above is basically a review of what happens going from Position #1 to Position #2.) 
5.  To start your downward 'swingpath' feel your shoulders turn slightly and your arms start down while keeping your lower body 'absolutely still'.  If you keep your lower body still, as you should, you will sense that your back is staying toward the target as your arms drop 'in-plane' toward the ball. 

It's 'very good mechanical practice' to get yourself in front of a mirror while doing this, in fact, it one of your 'Have-To's'.  In this case you can 'see & feel' the correct positions as well as 'see & feel' the correct movements.