Coming ‘over the top’ is easily the average player’s most common fault; it afflicts probably 50 percent of my students.  Is that you?  From the top of your swing, you initiate the downswing by spinning your shoulders and upper body toward the target.  This forces your hands and arms away from your upper body and brings the club to the ball from outside the target line.  Depending on the clubface position at impact, the result is either a high weak slice or a low pull hook.

Here’s an easy yet effective drill for getting your downswing back on track.  Take your address position with good posture, making sure your back is flat and your arms are hanging freely and weight is balanced.

Imagine a line running from the top of your forehead straight down to the ground. make your backswing, but on the downswing make sure your hands and arms pass underneath your forehead or inside the line. don’t allow your hands or clubhead to pass outside that imaginary line.

If you are having difficulty getting the hang of it, put down your club and take your address position facing a wall.  Maintaining good golf posture, rest your forehead lightly against the wall, and grip your front thumb with your backhand as if you are gripping an imaginary club. Take a few swings. If you fail to keep your hands under your forehead, they’ll hit the wall on the downswing.  When the feeling is grooved, head back to the practice tee.  This drill will help you quickly get your swing back on plane.

Karen