The Golf Downswing Move That FEELS WRONG But FIXES Everything!

Unlock the secret to a consistent and controlled golf swing with our easy-to-follow guide. By mastering the swing plane, you can improve your ball striking, control your low point, and shoot lower scores.

If you’re determined to swing on plane like a tour pro, this guide is for you. The key is mastering the swing at hip high during the downswing, ensuring your low point moves forward for crisp, consistent contact. This practical drill is easy to follow and designed for immediate feedback.

Understanding the Swing Plane

Many top golfers appear different in their backswing but converge in similarity from hip high to impact. Aim for your delivery to align the shaft with your toe line, and maintain the clubhead even with your hands. This visual guide forms the basis of effective swings.

Step-by-Step Drill: Align Your Swing Plane

1. Take a 9 or 8 iron to your practice area.
2. Lay an alignment stick along your toe line for reference.
3. Perform a three-quarter backswing, checking shaft alignment to your toe line at the downswing.

Focus on the checkpoints: the shaft should align directly over the toe line, and the clubhead should be even with your hands.

Effective Practice Method: Two Rehearsals, One Hit

Adopt this practice sequence for meaningful improvement:

• Two rehearsals to establish the desired feel.
• One hit to execute the pattern.
• Review and adjust based on immediate feedback.

Rehearsing before swinging embeds the new pattern in your nervous system, transforming learned motions into actual performance on the course.

Diagnose and Correct: Are You Too Steep or Too Shallow?

Most golfers need to know whether they’re swinging too steep or too shallow. Analyze your swing:

Steep: Shaft outside toe line, high clubhead at hands—leads to low shots or fades.
Shallow: Shaft inside toe line, low clubhead at hands—causes hooks or thins/fats.

Once identified, use the “feel the opposite” method to correct it. Steep swingers should focus on a low, inside downswing path, while shallow swingers should aim high and outside.

Mantra: Arms Down, Thumbs Down, Clubhead Down

For players struggling with steepness, this mantra trains the correct swing path:

Arms down, thumbs down, clubhead down

This approach encourages the club to drop low and inside.

Sample Practice Routine

1. Warm up lightly (3 minutes).
2. Use the alignment club for slow rehearsals without balls (5 minutes).
3. Hit 30 balls using the practice method, recording observations every 10 shots (10 minutes).
4. Focus on exaggerating corrections with rehearsals (15 minutes).
5. Conclude with confident, flowing swings (7 minutes).

Utilize Technology and Troubleshooting

Using tech can enhance feedback:

• An app or shot tracer gives immediate swing path data.
• Aim for smaller variances to ascertain improvement.

On the course, visualize the toe-line during your pre-shot routine and repeat your chosen drills to transition your newly learned swing comfortably.

Maintain Progression and Long-Term Skill

With consistent plane alignment:

• Gradually increase swing speed.
• Practice with various clubs.
• Conduct regular video reviews to fine-tune your technique.

Stay consistent with short, regular practice, and allow your improvements to reflect on the course, enhancing your overall game.

How quickly can I see improvements?

Many players notice improvement in a single session with deliberate practice using the “two rehearsals, one hit” routine, but true habit change requires ongoing practice.

What if the clubface changes position?

Focus on the tactile feel. For steep swings, add a slight clockwise wrist turn; for shallow swings, refrain from excessive arm rotation.

Is technology necessary?

Technology can expedite learning, but visual checkpoints and ball flight assessment can suffice.

How much should I exaggerate in practice?

Exaggerate until it feels unusual, enough to bridge back to a neutral swing.

Does this apply to all clubs?

Yes, though adjustment is necessary for club length. Start with mid-irons.

What’s the most important checkpoint?

Focus on the shaft’s relation to the toe line at hip high during the downswing.

Now you’re equipped to better control your swing plane and see improvements in your ball striking. Head to the range, align with the toe-line club, and diligently practice “two rehearsals, one hit.” Your golf performance is set to soar.