How to Make a Good Downswing

By Glenn Mcanally

The old adage that all wars are won before they are ever fought can be applied to the golf downswing. A downswing that is not properly aligned or is out of tempo (too rushed or too slow) predetermines how far and straight you will hit the ball. If you start your downswing the wrong way, no amount of correction or adjustment will save you from flubbing your shot. You can markedly improve your shots if you try the steps presented below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Check your set up or the way you address the ball. You must tilt your back down toward the ball. The back must stay straight and not hunched.

Step 2

Let the tilt come from your hips so that your back never bends. This position will help keep your downswing on the right path.

Step 3

As you complete your backswing be sure your downswing begins at the same speed as your backswing. This is called staying in tempo and keeps you in rhythm.

Step 4

Keep your eyes on the ball and your head down or you will hit the ball improperly. You may still hit it hard, but it won't go straight or far.

Step 5

Turn your hips counter-clockwise as you begin your downswing. This helps create more torque for a more powerful swing. It also keeps your arms tucked to the right side of your body so you maintain the correct inward to outward swing path.

Tips & Warnings

Keep your grip loose since this keeps the muscles flexible. Tight muscles will prevent you from creating the ideal whipping effect of the club. Keep your weight on the tip of your toes to help stay on top of the ball. Stick your buttocks out a little throughout the swing as this will keep your back straight while it's tilted to roughly 45 degrees.

Keep your grip loose since this keeps the muscles flexible. Tight muscles will prevent you from creating the ideal whipping effect of the club.

Keep your weight on the tip of your toes to help stay on top of the ball.

Stick your buttocks out a little throughout the swing as this will keep your back straight while it's tilted to roughly 45 degrees.

Don't try to speed up your downswing with your arms. You might strike the ball with greater speed, but you won't hit it right and it will either pop straight up or skip just a few yards along the ground.

About The Author

Glenn McAnally is a thriller novelist and life long golfer who lives in Southern California. His most recent work is the action thriller Endangered as well as a story credit for the upcoming Nintendo DS title Elite Forces: Unit 77. He is a graduate of Villanova University.

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