Start of Downswing Transition - Golf Swing Tips
Start Downswing Golf Tips for Foot, Hand, Hip, Shoulder Release
Jul 27, 2009
Tips to start the downswing transition sequence. Use the right hand, left shoulder, hips, or right foot to start the downswing on the inside for the correct swing path.
The transition between the backswing and downswing is one of the most crucial moves in the golf swing. No matter how technically perfect the backswing is, with a poor transition onto the downswing, wayward shots will creep into the game. Although the following tips are very similar in their objective, different ‘feels’ work for different golfers. Try the following downswing tips to see which one works best for your game.
Start the Downswing with the Right Hand
- As a basic rule, the higher a golfers handicap the longer they need to pause at the top of the backswing before the downswing starts.
- This is because a higher handicap golfer tends to make mistakes on the backswing, and before the downswing starts they have to find the correct line and plane of the downswing.
- It is the right hand that finds the plane and line best if you have to pause.
- At address, increase the tension in the right hand grip, and when you start the downswing feel the right index finger and thumb are actively pushing the butt of the shaft towards the ball.
Start the Transition with the Left Shoulder
- This is a good tip for any golfer who slices. Normally a golfer who slices opens the left shoulder far too quickly at the start of the downswing. Rather than making the transition with a completely different set of muscles, try changing the way you move the left shoulder.
- Instead of letting it spin open, try moving it vertically up to start the downswing. This will move the lower part of the spine forward and drive the hips laterally towards the target.
- Controlling the shoulders from spinning open so much will keep the club on an inside to out swing path on the downswing, and will help the hands to release correctly to cure a slice.
Downswing Start with Left Hip
- Lower handicap golfers tend to swing into a good position at the top of the backswing and can therefore afford to accelerate immediately. As the club reaches the top, the golfer should be resisting the turn with the lower body, in particular the right foot.
- Many good golfers like to start the downswing pushing of the inside of the right foot. Jack Nicklaus used to think that good foot work was the most important aspect of a swing.
- Try putting a ball under the outside of the right foot to make the feeling of resistance even greater in a practice swing, then try to simulate pushing off the right side when you hit a shot. Some top players even like to feel the right foot sliding towards the left foot as the weight shifts on to the left side.
Drive the Downswing with the Left Hip
- The classic way to start the downswing is by turning the left hip towards the target even before the club reaches the top of the backswing.
- This move was made famous by Ben Hogan and must be carried out from a good top of the backswing position as the move is so dynamic there is no time to adjust to a different line. This is a powerful committed action but will produce extra power if the backswing is efficient.
See also How to Hit Throught the Shot for Power or Simple Example to Explain the Perfect Golf Swing
The copyright of the article Start of Downswing Transition - Golf Swing Tips in How to Play Golf is owned by John Hoskison. Permission to republish Start of Downswing Transition - Golf Swing Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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