The downswing is
the culmination of the golf swing. It is where you see the results of
proper alignment, stance, grip and backswing. The downswing happens in
less than a second and requires a fluid movement of your body in a powerful
and unified sequence of events.
The 3 major phases
of the downswing are shift, rotate and hit. These phases of the downswing
actually overlap each other. The initial phase begins with the shifting
of the lower body, followed by the rotation of the upper body. At the
point of contact, proper execution of the first 2 phases will have set
you up for a powerful and accurate shot.
Do not start the downswing with your upper body, by first lunging
at the ball with your head. Rather, you should feel the weight transfer
from the ground up.
Beginning golfers tend to swing hard with their arms and upper body,
which in turn creates many problems. Swinging too hard will throw
off your balance and weight-shift, which will actually reduce the
power of your swing. A squarely hit ball will travel much further
than a forcefully hit one.
The arms are passive in the downswing. With a proper grip and grip
pressure, a correctly sequenced weight shift and rotation of the body
will allow the hands to perform perfectly. As far as the head is concerned,
it may move laterally behind the ball during the backswing and should
not move vertically. Prior to impact, the head should not move in
front of the ball.
For best results in improving your golf game, consult your local PGA
Professional. He or she can help you identify specific areas for improvement
and prescribe the practice techniques that are right for you.
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1.
The
downswing begins from the ground upwards. Most player's weight
during the backswing is transferred to the inside of the back
foot, just enough so that the heel of the front foot has come
off the ground slightly.
2.
The
first move in the downswing is to replace the heel from where
it has been pulled off the ground during the backswing. During
this motion, the knees shift parallel to each other to the right
of the target. The hips will move forward as well. Meanwhile
the upper body has not moved toward the target. This is the
initial SHIFT.
3.
As
the lower body has just begun the shift, the club has reached
the top of the backswing. As the shift is completed the club
now begins its journey to the ball.
4.
Since
the lower body has shifted its weight toward the target slightly,
the right shoulder has dropped a little. This lowering of the
shoulder caused by the shift of the hip will allow the club
and the player make a more efficient swing at the ball.
5.
Now
you must ROTATE your hips towards the target, so your belly
faces the target. The faster you rotate your hips the more power
you can generate. The lower body should begin to rotate slightly
before the upper body.
6.
As
you HIT the golf ball, the hips will be open relative to the
shoulders.
7.
For
the advanced golfer, you should recognize that if you hit the
ground with the club behind the ball, then you are shifting
your weight onto your front leg too late.
Recommended
Practice:
1.
Stop
at the top of your backswing. Start down in slow motion, and
only work on the start of the downswing. Keep your head back,
and feel the weight move onto your front foot.
2.
Do
this three times a week for one month and then refer to it after
you hit behind a few balls.
Do not start the downswing with your upper body, by first lunging
at the ball with your head. Rather, you should feel the weight transfer
from the ground up.
The arms are passive in the downswing. With a proper grip and grip
pressure, a correctly sequenced weight shift and rotation of the body
will allow the hands to perform perfectly. As far as the head is concerned,
it may move laterally behind the ball during the backswing and should
not move vertically. Prior to impact, the head should not move in
front of the ball. 
