subject: Better Your Golf Downswing [print this page] Better Your Golf Downswing Better Your Golf Downswing
Those who play golf regularly must know what a downswing is. Basically downswing is the end of a swing, and that is where the evidence of how good is a golfer's back swing, stance, grip and alignment lies.
What starts the golf downswing sequence is really the feet shifting your weight down the target line with a hip bump. However, several other body parts move almost simultaneously to play a role in this downswing initiation.
The golf downswing is a complex movement to learn. Here are some golf downswing tips to help you perfect the downswing and play better golf.
The aim of the golf downswing is to return the club face square to the ball with as much power as possible. You need to maintain good tempo and rhythm. Your lower body becomes the trigger for your downswing. (Callaway FT-iZ Hybrid) Your weight has shifted to your right hip by the top of the backswing and you should be in a relaxed position.
If you raise your left heel during the backswing, place it back firmly on the ground at the beginning of the downswing and maintain both feet in this position throughout impact with the ball. They are the foundation of a smooth, solid swing. This will start the weight shift back to the left side. The left hip now starts the downswing, pulling the hands, arms and club down to the midpoint position.
This will drop the club on a path slightly inside that of your backswing. Any sudden move at this stage will cause problems. Your left arm is a powerful lever which will pull the club head back to the ball with power and accuracy. It should be comfortably straight and should not buckle under pressure.
As you swing down, the speed of the downswing will get gradually faster until the wrists start to uncock, delivering the club head to the ball at tremendous speed.
There is a weight transfer from right to left during the golf downswing. (Callaway X Series JAWS Chrome Wedge) At impact a little more than half of your weight should be on the inside of your left foot. Your head must stay still until you have struck the ball.
You feel the downswing with your feet. The hip and leg actions must be correct or you will lose smoothness.
If, on the golf downswing, your lower body doesn't rotate correctly, your hands, wrists and arms shape the swing path. This means the club head moves outside the ball-to-target line at the start of the downswing before being pulled across your body from out to in. This results in the club face not being square at impact and you slice the ball.
At the end of your swing your right shoulder will be closer to the target than your left and your hips will be at 90 degrees to the ball to target line, only the toe of your right foot will be on the ground.
Keep your balance throughout; if you lose it you are trying too hard. Control your weight transfer smoothly and create controlled power. Also control the speed of the swing.
There are some tips for you to play a better downswing.
1. Stance is the thing which has to be watched minutely, if the downswing has to turn out to be correct. The stance should be correct and impeccable, but at the same time it should be comfortable. For a proper stance, feet should be shoulder width apart and shoulders should be in alignment with the target. The elbows have to be relaxed.
2. Positioning your head appropriately is essential for a perfect culmination to golf swing. The ball should be hit squarely and not on the top. (Callaway Diablo Edge Series) Your head has to be a bit behind the ball, prior to impact.
3. Keeping your right hand at bay is advisable. The usage of your right hand would ruin the timing of your swing and the line of the club till it hits the ball.
4. For a correct golf downswing, the clubhead and shaft have to be behind your hands. It is important for sensing and anticipating the release of the whole movement.
5. Always keep the golf swing mechanics in your mind, whenever you are practicing or participating in a tournament.
Last but not the least, Practice, Practice and well, Practice! Nothing but practicing these things and your acquired skills will help you improve your golf downswing by leaps and bounds. Try as many as golf downswing drills as you can. It will be of great help. Read more on improve your golf swing.
That's it! The only way you can better your golf downswing is by being involved in it thoroughly all the time! All the best!
