Having trouble dropping into the slot.

[Mulligan Al]

I've been having so much trouble dropping into the slot on transition. I have a very fast swing speed (which I can't seem to slow down) so during transition I think I'm dropping my right shoulder rather then getting the elbow into the slot and the handle of the club straight down from the top; is there a drill that will help me get the right side down into the proper place.

Also, what should I be feeling on my left side at this time?

I have noticed one think that I may be doing wrong; I may not be firing the left hip which some say will bring the club down. Do most of you feel the transition started with a slight shift of the left hip which brings the club down into its slot?

[TeachingPro]

Re: Having trouble dropping into the slot.

Quick swing or not ... you still need to complete the backswing and make a good transition to get the club working correctly in the forward swing.

The transition should feel like your left hip is starting a slight move to the target before getting out the way by turning left. At the same time, the grip of the club should be starting down and it is possible that the club head travels towards the target for a fraction of a second longer.

Here's a drill to get the feeling:
Take a backswing and as you get to the top, start to move your left hip back to the left and at the same time overswing a fraction (your hands and the club carry on going through the backswing) and then let your hands pull the grip down towards your right hip. It exaggerates the opposite movements of the club and left hip ...

That is what a transition should feel like.

To stop your large muscles (back and shoulders) from jumping the gun, try this drill:
When you get to the stop of the backswing stop moving your shoulders and back. Start by moving your left hip forward to the target laterally and then left and at the same time let your arms pull the grip of the club down towards your right hip. Keep your back and shoulders as still as possible for as long as possible (it will probably only be a fraction of a second) until you get the feeling that you've dropped the club into an inside path and then let your large muscles move.

Hope this helps. Post again of you need more help.

[pnearn]

Re: Having trouble dropping into the slot.

Thats what I try and do on transition (i.e pull the club down without turning the shoulders) but the absolute key for me is to do this slowly and feel like I am accelarating the club into impact. The hit from the top impulse is something I have to fight constantly

Im learning to simply concentrate only on retaining my wrist angle at the start. This means theres no pulling or forcing but gravity and the hip movment will get he club started downwards. From there I kind of just catch it up and then have a full release of my hands and right side. If you do it right you can release as hard as you want. The other thing I really have to counter is letting the left hip move turn into a slide thus tilting me too far backwards wherby I block the ball. Again this is something I have to constantly fight against

[Mulligan Al]

Re: Having trouble dropping into the slot.

You guys are outstanding; I really appreciate the help. I can't wait to for the weather to warm up this week so I can go out and work on some of this.

Thanks again

[Big Sheesh]

Re: Having trouble dropping into the slot.

My PGA instructor told me to practice the pump drill to get the feel of getting the right elbow to the right hip on the downswing transition. It works.

The start of the downswing shouldn't be hurried if you want to fall into the right position for an inside-out swing path.

[vectorinvestor]

Re: Having trouble dropping into the slot.

The Golf Channel just had Aaron Baddley playing lessons.

He showed a great drill in which you begin the downswing with the "pump" drill then of course stop. You now see the club on plane ready to be released. It is at this point you can really let go with going after the ball as it is impossible to do all these dreaded over the top movements. Great drill.