An unattached swing teaching apparatus for guiding a golf club or other rod-like object in a predefined arcuate path. A rotating device is rotatably attached to and supported by a non-rotating support member. The rotating device has at least one axle to which a pair of guide rods are attached. Dual axles may be incorporated in conjunction with gearing, clutching and control apparatus to cause rotation to occur about either or both axles as the club is swung through selected portions of the predefined arcuate path. In an initial position, one guide rod extends downward in a position for being contacted by the club shaft. As the backswing commences, the club shaft pushes against the downwardly extending guide rod causing one or more of the axles to rotate during the selected portions of the arcuate swing path. The club will remain in the predefined arcuate path if the golfer keeps the club shaft bearing on the guide rod in a manner which rotates the axle or axles. In a second embodiment, the guide rod may be a single L-shaped member. The vertical and horizontal leg portions of the L-shaped member are sequentially engaged by an extension member attached to the golf club shaft. The horizontal leg portion passes under a platform on which the golfer stands. In either embodiment, the golfer's head may be restrained by a head engaging device, and resistance to the rotating guide rods may be provided.