The Weight Shift “LIE” All Amateurs Believe

Unlock Your Best Swing: Mastering the mechanics of weight shift in golf is key to achieving consistent iron shots and reducing faults like fat or thin contacts. This guide unveils the misconceptions on pressure movement and provides actionable drills for success.

Table of Contents

• Step 1: Setup — weight at address (golf)
• Step 2: Backswing entry — get onto the trail leg early (golf)
• Step 3: Top of the backswing — re-center before the finish (golf)
• Step 4: Transition — lead arm level on the way down (golf)
• Step 5: Impact and follow-through — stable through the strike (golf)
• Step 6: Step drill — get the pressure right early (golf)
• Step 7: Lead-side low — preserve angles in transition (golf)
• Step 8: Combine drills for consistency (golf)
• Step 9: Driver differences — similar idea, subtle changes (golf)
• Step 10: Practice progression for durable change (golf)
• Common strike problems and the pressure-shift solutions (golf)
• Quick checklist to use on the course (golf)
• FAQ
• Final notes to practice better golf

Step 1: Setup — weight at address (golf)

Begin your golf swing with a slight bias to your lead leg, ideally 55 percent. This small shift should manifest in your hips and thighs—avoid leaning your head forward, as it can throw off your swing dynamics.

Step 2: Backswing Entry — Get onto the Trail Leg Early (Golf)

During your backswing, weight should quickly transition to your trail leg reaching 70–75 percent as the club extends away. This early shift is crucial for timing and fluidity through your swing, preventing the rushed corrections often behind poor strikes.

Step 3: Top of the Backswing — Re-center Before the Finish (Golf)

Re-centering early during your backswing, near 50-50 weight balance at the top, facilitates a smooth transition. Rushing to shift weight to the lead side can lead to erratic shots and inconsistent contact.

Step 4: Transition — Lead Arm Level on the Way Down (Golf)

In your downswing, shift roughly 70–75 percent of your weight onto the lead leg. This transition promotes a consistent low point and optimal compression for the perfect strike.

Step 5: Impact and Follow-through — Stable Through the Strike (Golf)

Ensure stability through impact by focusing around 75 percent of your weight on the lead side. Maintaining this stability prevents timing issues and improves shot consistency.

Step 6: Step Drill — Get the Pressure Right Early (Golf)

The Step Drill is a game-changer for weight shifts. By starting with a lead-side bias and emphasizing an early trail-side load, you lay the foundation for a seamless transition and powerful strike.

• Set up with 55 percent of your weight on the lead leg.
• Move the trail foot slightly inward and place the club forward.
• Quickly shift into the trail leg before swinging through.

Step 7: Lead-side Low — Preserve Angles in Transition (Golf)

Keeping the lead shoulder and hip lower during transition creates a natural compression and supports a stable swing.

Step 8: Combine Drills for Consistency (Golf)

Integrate the step drill with lead-side low sensations to enhance stability and shot accuracy over time.

Step 9: Driver Differences — Similar Idea, Subtle Changes (Golf)

While the principles of pressure movement remain, driver swings require balances like an initial 50-50 split and an altered push through impact due to the stance and club position.

Step 10: Practice Progression for Durable Change (Golf)

1. Use the step drill focusing on the initial push into the trail leg.
2. Rehearse lead-side low during slow-motion swings.
3. Gradually build from half to full swings, maintaining focus on pressure transitions.

Common Strike Problems and Pressure Shift Solutions (Golf)

• Fat shots — Late weight shift; use early trail loading drills.
• Thin shots — Confirm lead-side stability through impact.
• Inconsistent divots — Stabilize 75 percent on the lead leg at impact.

Quick Checklist to Use on the Course (Golf)

• Address: Slightly favor the lead leg for iron setup.
• Backswing: Load early into the trail leg.
• Top: Re-center to 50-50 balance.
• Transition: Shift back to 70–75 percent lead-side.

FAQ

Final notes to practice better golf

Understanding and mastering pressure shifts in your golf swing unlocks the potential for more consistent and powerful shots. Utilize these techniques and drills to enhance your play and strike the ball with newfound confidence.