Golf Swing - The Downswing

So far you have learned what it takes to initiate your backswing and build up the power and energy that is getting ready to explode through the grace of your downswing, ultimately driving the ball in perfect alignment towards its destination.

Welcome to the main attraction. This is when everything about your golf swing that you are learning faces its moment of truth. Your backswing should have felt controlled and smooth. Now you will feel a change in the tempo and the downswing will be under full release and power, yet graceful and easy at the same time.

Even though you are getting ready to completely change up your technique and motion from the transition of the backswing to the downswing, the switch should still be graceful and as seamless as possible, with no sign at all of using a snapping motion or force.

You should appear to be going after the ball with brute force. Unfortunately, this is where many beginner and amateur golfers make their mistakes. Thier backswing was initiated perfectly, but their transition towards making contact with the ball is sabotaged by a poor downswing.

Start From The Hips

The hips should be the very first body parts to move when bringing the club down from your backswing.  In fact, your entire body is getting ready to uncoil itself  starting from the hips. Don't pay too much attention towards your arms and hands.  They will be the last body parts to turn and it should happen naturally.

Once your body starts to uncoil, be sure that your weight begins to shift from your right foot to your left. This part is crucial. By not shifting your weight onto the left foot you will lose nearly half of the power and accuracy needed to make your shot successful. At first you may need to deliberately shift weight, but after enough practice your body should do this naturally.

Uncoil The Body & Release The Energy

It is time now to uncoil your body parts and release all of that potential energy. As you are doing so, strive to maintain the bend you have in your wrists as long as possible. They should be the last part of your body to release before the ball is hit. If you can practice enough and are able to snap your wrists at the very last moment, you'll undoubtedly have more power and strength transferred to the ball.

The clubhead should now be coming down and moving faster towards the ball. Good form is essential. As the downswing gains momentum and speed, your entire body should just be following through automatically, without interference. Once the clubhead approaches the golf ball, you should feel as if you are cracking a whip, making full contact with the golf ball.