The Golf Swing at The Top

The Golf Swing Transition

At the top of a backswing, the golf swing transition takes place, the direction of the swing motion reverses course. Motion away from the target (backswing) becomes motion toward the target (downswing). This transition is a critical juncture in the golf swing and needs your maximum attention.

Three Hand Positions at the Top of Golf Swing

Golf Swing Transition Squared

Squared position:

The club-head is squared, the hands perfectly rotated to the ideal position. This is the simplest way to return the motion toward impact.

Top-Cup

Cupped position:

The club-head is open and the hands are rotated under. This position is likely to cause slice.

Top-Bow

Bowed position:

The club-head is closed and the hands are rotated over. This position will most likely cause hook.

Common Problems at the Transition

  • Starting a downswing before completing a backswing.
  • Springboarding off from the end of the backswing; this may work for some, but for most it does more harm than good, as they lose speed, balance, and composure.
  • Putting weight on the wrong foot (front foot or subdominant side).
  • Moving the upper body upward, downward, or sideways (swaying).
  • Re-gripping; this bad habit triggers the dominant hand to be active.
  • Casting; releasing a wrist at the start of downswing, lose swing speed.
  • Swinging over the top: hitting at the ball, initiates out to in swing path.
Top-SqiareOH

Opened Hand - SwingPilot Method

SwingPilot Advantages:

  • Causes weight to shift to the correct foot (back foot or dominant side)
  • Promotes better shoulder turn
  • Maintains a controlled position at the top
  • Makes it easy to detect the completion of the backswing
  • Stops the habit of re-gripping at the top
  • Prevents casting or hitting over the top
  • Helps initiate a smooth and correct downswing.
  • Provides controlled golf swing transition.

Key point: Finish the backswing correctly and then start the downswing precisely.

( See Swing Plane )

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