Driving · Drill
Shift First, Then Turn, to Stop Coming Over the Top
Part of our driving programs for slice, not enough distance, topped or thin. Build a program with it
Spinning hard from the top feels powerful. But it often throws the club outside and across the ball. Try a different order. Start the downswing with a small move of your weight toward the target. Then turn. That little shift gives the club room to drop inside. A stick on the ground can help. Lay it at an angle across your stance, pointing out to the right of your target. Set up square, then feel like you swing out along that stick.
The drill
- Lay a stick at an angle across your stance.
- Set up square to your target.
- Start down with a small shift forward.
- Then rotate.
- Feel the club swing out to the right.
Why it works
When you spin your shoulders first, the club is pulled out and across the ball line. A small move of your weight toward the target at the start of the downswing lets the arms and club drop down and in front of your trail side. From there, turning your body swings the club out toward the right of the target, which gives an in-to-out path and a clean strike.
Common mistakes
- Sliding your hips too far toward the target.Keep the shift small, so your head stays roughly centered and your chest stays over the ball.
- Shifting and turning at the same time, so the shoulders still spin first.Pause for a beat at the top, feel the weight move forward, and only then start to rotate.
- Aiming your body along the stick instead of setting up square.Set your feet, hips and shoulders square to the target first, and let the stick show only the path you swing along.
How you'll know it's working
- Your divot is straight or points slightly left of the target, not sharply left.
- The ball starts on or just right of your target line instead of left of it.
- You feel your trail arm drop in front of your body, and the club feels like it is swinging out to the right.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Make slow half swings with a short iron, saying "shift, turn" out loud on each one.
Harder: Hit full drives off a tee while keeping the shift small and the swing path along the stick, and keep the same tempo you used on the slow swings.
Common questions
Why do I come over the top when I swing a driver?
Most often your shoulders spin open before your weight moves forward, so the club is thrown outside the ball line. Starting down with a small shift toward the target gives the club room to drop inside.
How much should I shift my weight before turning in the downswing?
Only a small amount. Your weight should move toward the target just enough to feel the club drop, while your head stays steady over the ball.
