Harper Lin
The downswing sequence is crucial to achieving success in golf. It is the DNA of a golf swing and separates the best players from high handicappers. The correct sequence starts with a pressure shift to the lead leg, followed by the arms dropping and the elbows tucking close to the body. As the downswing continues, the trail elbow should remain close to the body, and the shoulders should level out. The sequence of hips, upper body, arms, and club is considered the most common sequence demonstrated by great players, and it is important to avoid starting the downswing with the arms. To improve their downswing sequence, golfers can use devices such as Swing Align and technology like the Garmin Approach S70 to track their tempo and receive feedback.
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What You'll Learn
The correct sequence of movements is hips, upper body, arms, and club
The correct sequence of movements in a golf downswing is hips, upper body, arms, and club. This sequence is considered the most common among great players.
To initiate the downswing, the hips move back towards the target. The upper body follows the hips, also moving towards the target. The arms are the third to move in this sequence, with the club being the last part to move back towards the target.
This sequence can be a huge source of power and can help with timing and rhythm within the golf swing. It can also help to prevent the club from moving out of position, making it easier to deliver the clubhead with speed.
To start the downswing, pressure shifts to the lead leg, and the arms drop with the elbows tucking close to the body to shallow the angle of the club. The upper torso then quickly follows, with the trail elbow working in and close to the body and under the lead elbow. This sets the club on a shallow and inside track, ready to be delivered with rotation and more power.
It is important to keep the arms and body connected throughout the swing and to rotate the body rather than just lifting the arms. This can help to create a pattern of movement that is needed for consistent ball-then-turf contact, accuracy, and distance.
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Avoid starting the downswing with your arms
The downswing sequence is crucial in golf, and the correct sequence can help you achieve consistent ball-then-turf contact, accuracy, and distance. Starting the downswing with your arms is a common mistake that can negatively impact your performance. Here are some tips to avoid doing this:
First, understand the correct downswing sequence. The golf downswing sequence should start with a pressure shift to your lead leg, followed by your hips moving back towards the target, then your torso rotating, and finally, your arms dropping and elbows tucking in to shallow the angle of the club. This sequence is similar to the natural movement of throwing a ball, where you would step forward with your hip, turn your upper body, swing your arm, and then use your wrist to throw.
To avoid starting the downswing with your arms, focus on initiating the movement with your lower body. Specifically, shift your weight onto your front foot and bump your hips forward to start the downswing. This will help drop your arms naturally into the correct position without having to force them down.
Additionally, keep your arms and body connected during the backswing and downswing. Ben Hogan, a famous golfer, is known for keeping his elbows close together on the way back and down. This helps maintain a smooth and connected motion, preventing your arms from getting too far behind your body and needing to start the downswing prematurely.
Practicing with tools like the Swing Align device or a slam board can also help you visualize and rehearse the correct body positions, ensuring that your lower body initiates the downswing before your arms come into play.
Finally, focus on keeping your tempo consistent. Ensure that your arms on the downswing match the pace of your arms on the backswing. This will help you achieve a smoother transition and prevent any rushed or forced movements that can disrupt your sequence.
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The downswing starts with a pressure shift to the lead leg and elbow tuck
The downswing is a crucial aspect of a golfer's game, and the correct sequencing of the downswing is imperative for consistent ball-then-turf contact, accuracy, and distance. The downswing starts from the ground up, with a pressure shift to the lead leg, followed by the arms dropping and the elbows tucking close to the body.
Before the upper body and arms stop moving back, the lower body starts the downswing. This pressure shift to the lead foot is key to setting up the rest of the downswing. During the backswing, the trail foot has pressure, but before starting the downswing, the pressure moves back to the lead side. This sets up the downswing chain of events, with the torso and arms following accordingly.
As the downswing sequence continues, the arms drop, and the elbows start to tuck close to the body to shallow the angle of the club. The trail arm should move under the lead arm, with the trail elbow close to the body. The shoulders will level out, and the front end of the alignment rod should start to point up.
The hips are first in reversing action, or uncoiling, when reaching the top of the swing. This is in contrast to the backswing, where the hips reach the top last. The hips initiate the downswing by moving back towards the target, with the upper body following. The arms are third in this sequence, with the club being the last part to move back towards the target.
A correct lower body, torso, and arm sequence will ensure the wrists bend in a bowing motion, and the clubhead will lag behind the hands, unhinging late for maximum power and flush contact.
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Keep your arms and body connected
Keeping your arms and body connected during a golf swing is crucial for a consistent and powerful swing. A common mistake is allowing your arms to fold up during the swing, which can lead to inconsistent shots and a loss of power.
To keep your arms and body connected, it is important to initiate the downswing with your hips, moving them back towards the target. Your upper body should follow the hips, with your arms being the third element to move in this sequence. The club will be the last part to move back towards the target. This sequence is demonstrated by elite players and can be a huge source of power, helping with timing and rhythm.
Ben Hogan, a renowned golfer, is known for focusing on keeping his elbows close together during the backswing and downswing. This technique can help keep your arms and body connected. Additionally, you can focus on keeping your arms extended throughout your swing. Imagine having a string around your body and arms, keeping them in a locked position. You can practice this by placing a ball between your arms and squeezing it together.
Another tip to keep your arms and body connected is to avoid moving your arms away from your body during the takeaway. This can create a disconnection between your arms and body, resulting in a loss of power and issues with strike and directional control. Instead, keep your arms close to your body, even during the follow-through, to add loft to the golf club.
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The sequence should work from the ground up
The downswing sequence in golf is crucial for achieving maximum power, accuracy and distance. The sequence should work from the ground up, starting with a pressure shift to the lead leg. This is a key move that separates the best players from high handicappers.
As you start bringing your hands down, your weight should transfer onto your left foot, through the rotation of the hips and the shoulders that follow. The hips should be the first to reverse when reaching the top of the swing, with the upper body following the hips, and the arms coming in third. This sequence is similar to the natural movement of throwing a ball, which starts with a step forward, a turn of the upper body, a swing of the arm, and finally, the use of the wrist.
The trail arm should move under the lead arm, with the trail elbow close to the body. The shoulders will level out, and the alignment rod should start to point up. It is important to keep your arms and body connected throughout the movement, with your elbows close together, as Ben Hogan did.
Practising with your weight starting on your left side and taking swings will help you understand where your weight should be at impact. You can also try a drill where you take some practice swings standing as if you were about to hit a home run in baseball. This will wake up the bigger muscles and improve your drives.
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Frequently asked questions
The correct sequence for a golf downswing is to shift your weight to the front foot, rotate your body, and then rise into the finish. The hips should start the downswing by moving towards the target, followed by the upper body, arms, and club.
Some common mistakes in the downswing sequence are starting with the arms, standing up and coming out of your posture, and an outside-in club path.
Technology, such as the Garmin Approach S70 and R10 launch monitor, can help track your tempo and provide feedback on the rhythm of your swing. This can help you make adjustments to improve your clubhead speed and impact.
Yes, one drill is to practice swings with your driver while standing as if you're poised to hit a home run in Yankee Stadium. This will help you feel the proper weight shift in your downswing.
