We all watch golf on TV and see the slow-motion videos of Tour players swings and watch in envy at the way professionals explode from the top of their swing into the ball. When swing a club at over 100mph, the transition from the backswing to the downswing is crucial. The goal is to stay strong and create as much speed, control and torque as possible to hit accurate, long golf shots.
In this video, Scott Cranfield explains the secret behind the magical move Tour players make at the top of their backswing.
Not Every Swing Is The Same
It is important to understand that not all swings are created equally. Whilst Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar may all swing the club, and arrive at the ball, differently that doesn't mean one is better than another. Scott Cranfield believes the key, and similarity, in all Tour players swings lies in the transition of the swing at the top of the backswing.
Throwing Your Swing
Scott explains that the key to a Tour transition is getting your lower body initiating the downswing before your upper body has completed the backswing. This may sound confusing, but imagine you are throwing a ball down the fairway. As you pull your arm back to throw the ball, your lower body will automatically start turning and moving towards where you are throwing the ball, creating a slight lag/transition that produces more speed and distance.
Creating A Flowing Motion
Often amateurs are overly-concerned with hitting or focusing on the ball. They realign themselves on the downswing and think about striking the ball, rather than creating a full, flowing swing through the ball and into the follow-through. To get that Tour transition you must keep a rhythmical flow throughout your swing, again much like you would if you were throwing a ball.
One-Handed Drill
One good way to practice this transition is using one-handed swings. Turn your club around and hold the club on the shaft just above the clubhead in your dominant hand (i.e. right for right handers). Swinging with that same hand, try and create a good "swish" noise through the impact zone, imagining you were going to throw your club down the fairway/range. This drill will help encourage more of a flow through the swing and help your concentrate on accelerating through the ball and into your follow-through.