Each week Dave Johnson, PGA Class A Director of Instruction at Rooster Run Golf Club
will select a question submitted by you, the curious golfer. The answer to this lucky
golfer's question will be published right here. To submit a question, Click Here.
QUESTION: I tend to make good contact with the ball but I have a tendency to come over
the top on my downswing. What is a good drill I can use to make certain that I come under
instead of over.
ANSWER:
Coming over the top is a movement with the upper portion of the body leading the lower
portion. Often this is diagnosed as an outside in swing. I chose your question for several
reasons. First is the semantics with which we often deal. The term 'over' the top insinuates
we must make a movement 'under'. So let's shift your point of reference. The goal is to move
the golf club through the ball and toward the target. Some things that could interfere with
the ease of this movement: an out of balance address that inhibits the lower body movement,
faulty positioning of the club by opening the clubface and/or moving the shaft too horizontally
during the backswing, excessive tension in the hands, arms and shoulders, also the tilting of
the spine toward the target or ball in an attempt to 'hit down'. Since there are many
explanations for your challenge it might be disingenuous to suggest a drill; however, one
of my favorites in this situation consists of taking a balanced stance and grip, make a full
body turn (backswing) position the golf shaft parallel to right bicep (righties) and
perpendicular to the ground. Pause in this spot for a moment allowing the hands arms and
shoulders to feel at ease. Next lead with the forward hip turning it fully. This will
trigger a sequence that allow the club to travel through the ball toward the target.
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