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Even if your takeaway starts off incorrectly, there is still a chance to create a good backswing. Even if your backswing is off, there is still an opportunity to make a good impact. However, if you try to fix the problem by forcing a compensatory motion, your swing is bound to get tangled.
People usually say that the shot you will hit is largely determined during the backswing, but I believe the movement early in the downswing is the final opportunity to maximize your impact. If you can master this phase, you can hit great shots and significantly reduce major mistakes.
01Four Key Elements of the Downswing
- Lower body lead and ground reaction forceInstead of starting with the arms at the top, weight shifts to the left foot, applying pressure to the sole of the left foot. As the left hip opens backward, the right pelvis moves into that position. While there is individual variation in whether the movement or the rotation comes first, they occur almost simultaneously.
- The upper body holds on for a moment.As the transition to the downswing begins, you should feel your chest momentarily lingering in the opposite direction of the target. This separation of the upper and lower body ultimately becomes the source of speed and power.
- The clubhead remains behind the hands.You don't have to consciously try to create the wrist angle; it forms automatically when your body leads. Those who struggle with this often end up releasing prematurely at the top of the movement.
- You don't lower your arm, you drop the club.Instead of forcing the club down or pulling it, the force of gravity causes it to fall to the ground, following the lead of the lower body. This allows the club head to enter the best path to strike the ball.
To summarize these four points in one sentence, it means leading with the lower body rather than the upper body, so that the arms and club follow.
02Who would this be particularly helpful to?
This lower body lead movement is particularly helpful for those with a well-developed upper body who struggle with upper-lower body separation, as well as for those who rush in with their upper body immediately from the top. It is also especially advantageous for those who frequently miss to the left with hooks.
03You have to relax first so your lower body can lead.
To excel at these four elements, your body must first be well-prepared. It doesn't mean you have to be strong; being able to relax is extremely important. As a golfer who used to get very nervous and tense up during competitions, I know better than anyone the importance of being able to relax.
Let me share two simple ways to relieve tension. The first is breathing. When you are tense, your breathing tends to become disorganized, so try inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 3 seconds, and exhaling over 7 seconds. You know that feeling of your body relaxing when you drink warm tea in the cold? You will be able to feel the tension draining from your body in exactly that kind of sensation.
The second tip is to tense your entire body and then release it all at once. If you tense and release your whole body, from your toes to your hips and arms, you can significantly reduce tension. I recommend trying this rather than just standing still and waiting for your turn.
04It shouldn't be about enduring it, but just feeling comfortable.
I recently had the opportunity to observe the swings of several amateur golfers, and I felt that more than five out of ten needed to relax their muscles. However, when I tell them to relax, they ask me again how much they should. Honestly, it is a feeling that is difficult to convey in words.
So, this is how I test you. If I ask you to stop right at the top of the backswing, there are some people whose bodies start trembling. That means they are putting too much force into it. A relaxed feeling is when you can simply stay in that position for 10 seconds or even a minute after lifting the club during the backswing. If you struggle to hold the position for 5 seconds, that means you are already putting too much force into it.
You just need to maintain the same physical state you are in right now, reading this comfortably, and the feeling of sitting comfortably on a sofa, at the top of your backswing. I recommend trying to hold the backswing for 10 seconds first, and then relaxing enough so that you can hold that position for another 10 seconds at the finish after impact. It is okay if your finish position isn't perfectly straight. Just feeling comfortable is enough.
05Practicing pelvic separation with a long club
There is an exercise to help you get used to the feeling of relaxing and starting the downswing with your lower body. Prepare a slightly longer club, rotate it toward the backswing direction to shoulder height, and then stop. At this point, you will see your left arm and the shaft in your field of vision. While maintaining the angle and position of your hand and the shaft, try moving only your pelvis around. It feels similar to spinning around on a frisbee at a playground.
Actually, anyone can do this movement if they relax. Try doing this movement about ten times, then hit the ball. This helps create the feeling I mentioned earlier of the 'upper body momentarily staying in place,' and it becomes much more comfortable if your body is fully relaxed.
06With arms hanging like crocodiles
To effectively relax your arms in addition to leading with your lower body, I like to imagine an alligator. An alligator's forelegs are certainly strong, but if you were to lift it up, they would feel like they are dangling limply. It doesn't feel like you are gripping or manipulating something like a person or a monkey; instead, it feels like they are simply hanging onto your body and following its movements. If you try to get that feeling in your arms—hanging and following your body—you will be able to let go really well.
07Does weight transfer come first, or rotation?
There is individual variation among golfers regarding whether to prioritize movement or rotation at the point where the downswing transition begins. If the ball consistently pulls to the left, it is often because your body is blocked, preventing rotation and causing the club to spin too quickly; in this case, it is better to focus slightly more on movement first. Conversely, if the ball is pushed to the right, you should focus on rotation before weight transfer.
The same applies to relaxing your hands and arms. You don't need to relax them completely until they are limp; instead, relax them as much as possible while maintaining the distance between your hands and body. A natural tension is created when you slightly extend your arms, and that level is just right.
08Ultimately, you have to see your own swing to get the answer.
The need for lower body lead varies greatly from person to person. Lower body movement can be more beneficial for those with weaker body motions who rely heavily on their arms, whereas conversely, those with already very dynamic lower body movements might actually need more arm lead. Since it is so easy to record videos these days, I recommend watching your own swing or taking lessons to determine the style that suits you best.
However, there is only one thing you must remember: your left hip must rotate. You just need to decide whether to rely more on the feel of your arms or pay more attention to the rotation depending on how the ball comes out.
09Today's homework
The first homework assignment is to try holding the top of your backswing for 30 seconds. I have given you a little extra time so that you can physically feel that these 30 seconds should not feel like you are just 'holding' it, but rather like you can stand comfortably for even a minute. Try holding for 30 seconds at the top, followed by 30 seconds at the finish.
The second homework is to try hitting the ball with the smoothest swing possible. Try to act as if you have always swung this smoothly. Since your facial expression tends to stiffen when you tense up, it would be good to keep your expression relaxed as well. Once you do these two things, today's homework is finished.
