Downswing Problems

[cwojo72]

I've been working with a pro now for several weeks and have gotten to an oustanding postion at the top of the backswing, but for the life of me, I can't seem to transition into a good downswing. I think if I knew the sequence of moves that create a powerful downswing, I would be much more consitent. I hit solid shots from time to time, but I shank the ball like crazy. This leads me to believe that I'm throwing my right shoulder out and not dropping my hands into the slot. Any advice or drills to get the proper feeling on the downswing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Ian Hancock]

Re: Downswing Problems

Hi Chris,

You have hit the nail on the head mate, if you through that shoulder out it's hard to get back and the inevitable sh**k happens, It's all about patients now, you have learned to get yourself in a good position, almost a slight pause at the top and drop the arms slow then think power at waist height.

Most golfers loose it at the point of transition, simply through rushing the shot, tention etc plays a big part, just need to relax and let it happen.


Good luck hope this helps.


Ian.

[pnearn]

Re: Downswing Problems

Have a look at this thread and the associated link

http://www.golf-tuition-online.com/10517321-post18.html

The left hip needs to pull the left arm down and around. Clubhead should be the last thing to move. Dont just spin as that will bring you OTT. Shift your weight left until your left hip begins to turn naturally. How do you shift weight left? Imagine your hips are on a clock face. At address the left hip is pointing to 9am (for righties). At the top it should be pointing to about 10.00/11am. Now from here try and shove the left hip towards 8am. Do this slowly without a ball and you'll see how the weight shifts, the left leg straightens and at the point the hips and body are thrown around. Its this body rotation which squares the clubface right at the last minute. Indeed the hands will be in front of the ball when the club face squares. Another way to help feel this move is to stand on the left heel, like pressing an accelerator. Say to yourself as you practice it ... Shift and Stand. When you do this with a club, feel this move PULLS the arms .. youre not throwing them forward, they're being pulled through impact

This is the feeling I try to have on the downswing. Keep those arms and hands loose and dont use them to hit from the top .. learn to feel the pulling motion

HTH

[cwojo72]

Re: Downswing Problems

I understand the left hip turning because my coach has a drill for me to feel that the left hip is leading the downswing. He has me get to the top, then he grabs the club face and tells me to begin my downswing. I feel the left hip turn and this incredible amount of power built up, but when I try it without him holding the club, I just cant seem to get that same feeling. I will try your suggestions and I thank you for your help.
Chris

[tonyc9]

Re: Downswing Problems

can you put a video up on www.youtube.com - its much easier to look at a video.

[cwojo72]

Re: Downswing Problems

I wish I could post a video, but I don't have that kind of technology readily available. PNearn, I tried the 8 o'clock hip thing and I started to hit much better shots. Unfortunately, I'm not ready to try it all in one motion yet. In other words, I get to the top, hold it, and think to myself left hip to 8 o'clock, drop the arms. Do you or anybody else think these are good swing thoughts to develop a fluid swing. I don't want be forced to hold my set-up at the top for a couple of seconds when I'm actually out on a golf course as it may look kind of silly. Anyway, any additional tips or drills are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Chris