Mastering the Art of Your Golf Swing: The Importance of Arm Drop and Weight Shift Happening Together
By Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
Good golfers make a swing where they shift their weight to the front leg to start the downswing, which I call the ‘smallest, most important move in golf.’ Because the hit instinct in good players is under control, the arms’ forward swing helps shift the weight simultaneously in a drop/shift motion to start the downswing. This is a non-negotiable move, and every good player does it while making a full swing. But when the ball is the goal instead of the target, things can change. To start down, the unaccomplished player most often moves their arms first, independent of the weight transfer, and with a head start to impact, the arms beat the weight transfer, leaving a weak slapping action in their wake.
Drill Work
What to do? Here is a drill to help start things down (arms/weight shift) together from the top of your swing. Use a mirror and swing to the top, then stop and pose. Check out your arms and feel your weight in your trail hip socket. Then, shift your weight to your front side and drop your arms simultaneously. Stop when your lead arm points down your back leg and check it out – you should be able to lift your back foot off the ground. Use a five iron and a ball, but don’t hit the ball.
Do this 60 times a day for three weeks, and you will deposit the move in your motor memory. This doesn’t sound very easy, but it’s worth the improvement it will bring.
The pose is at the top, as this high handicap is doing – weight right and arms high.
Now, all in one motion, drop your arms and shift your weight to your front leg. Pose again and check – weight left, arms low. Then back to the top for another rep – repeating this for 21 days should do it.
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
