How to Start the Downswing - John Hoskison
Start the golf downswing slowly to control the transition between golf backswing and downswing. How to swing onto the correct inside swing path for better golf shots.
The transition between backswing and downswing is one of the most important moves in golf, but it is also one of the most difficult. With all the potential energy stored at the top of the backswing to start the downswing slowly and smoothly requires much discipline - it is all too easy for a golfer to ‘hit at’ the ball rather than swinging smoothly to a finish. Learn how to start the downswing correctly to hit better and more consistent golf shots.
Slow From the Top
- If a golfer has made a good backswing, creating tension between the upper and lower body, then there is not much time to stop at the top of the swing for a position check. Hopefully the club will be pointing at the target and will be somewhere near the correct plane.
- However, do not hurry the beginning of the downswing. Although there is not much of a pause at the top, there is a fraction of a second when the brain of a golfer computes whether the club is in the correct position.
- Nicklaus used to say his best golf was played when he was slow from the top. This gave him an extra fraction of a second to make any fine adjustments before the drive down.
- Count ‘one-and-two’ during the swing to keep it slow from the top. The ‘and’ represents the fraction of a second when a smooth transition occurs.
How to Start the Downswing
- Keep the head angle the same. As the body naturally starts to unwind it is very easy for the shoulders to start spinning open and the head to be pulled round. It is essential for the head to anchor the top of the body, particularly the shoulders. Anchor the head at address, keep it there on the backswing and hold it firm as the downswing starts. This will stop a golfer coming over the top.
- Keep the butt of the club grip pointing at the ball. This allows the arms to swing the golf club down in plane and into a position where the hands can release the club powerfully into the ball from the inside.
- Make sure that half way down the heel of the right foot is starting to come up off the ground. Everything else can be correct, but if the weight is not moving across to the left side it is very difficult to hit the ball well. By trying to get the heel up, it helps move the weight forward.
Se also: How to Hit Longer Drives- PGA Pro Driver Tips or How to Hit a Draw Shot - PGA Tips or
Copyright John Hoskison. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
John Hoskison - John is a class 'A' member of the British PGA and author of the acclaimed book 'Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison'.
