Driving · Drill
Pump the Club to Feel the Right Transition
Part of our driving programs for not enough distance, topped or thin. Build a program with it
The pump drill teaches your lower body to lead while your wrists stay hinged. Swing to the top. Start down until your hands reach about shoulder height. Keep your wrists set. Go back to the top. Do it once more. On the third move, swing all the way through and hit the ball. Many golfers throw the club from the top. This drill helps you hold the angle longer and release it at the ball. Start with short irons.
The drill
- Swing to the top.
- Pump down to shoulder height with wrists hinged.
- Go back up and pump again.
- On the third move, swing through.
- Feel your hips lead each pump.
Why it works
From the top, the lower body should start the downswing while the arms and club follow. When your hips turn toward the target first, the club drops into the delivery position and the wrist angle between your lead arm and the shaft stays intact. Pumping to shoulder height lets you rehearse that order and feel the angle held, so it can release at the ball instead of at the top.
Common mistakes
- You start each pump by pulling down with your arms and hands.Begin each pump with a small turn of your hips toward the target, and let the arms drop as a result.
- Your wrists unhinge during the pump, so the club points at the ground early.Keep the same wrist angle you had at the top until your hands pass shoulder height, and make the pumps slower.
- You rush the third move and swing hard at the ball.Make the third move the same smooth tempo as the pumps, and let the club release on its own through impact.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your target line with a solid strike and no thin or fat contact.
- You feel your hips turning open on each pump while the club stays behind your hands.
- Your divot with short irons starts at or just after the ball, not behind it.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make the pumps without a ball, use a short iron, and stop at the first pump until the hip-first feel is clear.
Harder: Use a mid-iron or driver, add a ball on a tee, and keep the same tempo on all three moves.
Common questions
What does the pump drill fix in the golf swing?
It helps with throwing the club from the top, which releases the wrist angle too early. It trains your lower body to lead so the club can release at the ball.
How many pumps should I do before hitting the ball?
Two pumps, then swing through on the third move. This gives you enough repetition to feel the sequence without losing your rhythm.
