The temptation to aggressively go after the ball in the downswing causes many golfers to lunge forward during that part of the swing, throwing off tempo, posture and the path of the clubhead. Learn to generate power with the proper sequence and weight transfer into the downswing and through contact with the ball.
The Problem
Golf swing guru Rick Smith identifies the most serious result of lunging forward in the downswing as the body racing ahead of the arms, creating a very steep angle of attack with the club. So steep is this angle, in fact, that the only possible swing path is virtually straight down, leading to deep divots and many shots sent careening off to the left. Golfers must maintain proper spine angle through the swing to keep the lunging motion from taking over.
Practice "Back in the Stance"
One drill that can help establish proper spine angle in the set up and train you to maintain it through contact begins by teeing up a ball back in your stance -- that is, somewhere between the middle and the inside of the heel on your back foot. It's important to keep your weight on the back foot at set up and slightly raise the heel of your front foot. This orientation will cause your upper body to tilt slightly away from your target -- the ideal spine position at address.
Hitting the Ball Positioned Back
The ball-striking portion of this drill, shared on the Golf Channel by Rick Smith, requires you to take the club back rotating your shoulders around your spine to maintain the spine angle from address. Swing through the ball, trying to pick it off the tee. Be sure to keep the weight on your back foot and the heel of your front foot raised to provide the sensation of holding the proper body position and avoiding the lunge. You need not swing hard with this drill -- distance is not the point, consistent body position is your goal.
Gravity Drop
PGA professional Brad Brewer suggests practicing the feeling of stopping your backswing at the top and simply letting the arms fall back to your side. He points out that this is precisely what the initial part of the downswing should feel like for the arms, allowing the club to move onto the correct plane. Your body won't be able to lunge forward from this downswing start, and it will be far easier to keep the proper sequence of legs and shoulders, followed by arms and hands intact.
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