What Starts First When Making Your Golf Downswing?

In your downswing, first you start with a pressure shift to the lead leg, then an externally rotated trail arm, and lastly rotate the torso through the striking of the ball.

The downswing is a critical part of the golf swing that requires precision and timing. It’s the moment when the golfer begins to transfer their weight from the back foot to the front foot, unleashing the stored energy in the backswing into the ball. But what starts first when making your golf downswing? There are several key components to the downswing, and getting the sequence right can make all the difference in the success of your shot. In this article, we will explore the elements of the downswing and help you understand what should start first.

The Grip

Before we dive into the downswing, it’s important to establish the correct grip on the club. The grip is the only connection between the golfer and the club, so it’s critical to get it right. There are three types of grips that golfers commonly use – the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, and the ten-finger grip. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and golfers should choose the one that feels most comfortable and natural to them.

The Setup

Once the grip is established, it’s time to get into the correct setup position. The setup is the foundation of the golf swing, and getting it right can make a big difference in the success of your shot. The setup involves positioning your body in the correct stance, aligning your feet, hips, and shoulders, and positioning the clubface behind the ball. The goal is to create a solid and stable platform that allows for a smooth and consistent swing.

The Backswing

After the setup, the golfer begins the backswing, which is the movement that takes the club away from the ball and up into the air. The backswing should be smooth and controlled, with the goal of creating a wide arc that generates maximum power and speed. During the backswing, the golfer shifts their weight to the back foot and rotates their hips and shoulders to create torque and energy.

What Starts First in the Downswing?

Now that we’ve established the grip, setup, and backswing, it’s time to answer the question of what starts first in the downswing. There are several key elements to the downswing, and they should all work together in a precise and coordinated sequence. Here are the three things that start first when making your golf downswing:

1. The Lower Body

   The first thing that starts the downswing is the lower body. The golfer begins by shifting their weight from the back foot to the front foot, which initiates the transfer of energy from the backswing to the ball. This movement is known as the weight shift, and it’s critical for generating power and accuracy in the shot. The weight shift should be smooth and controlled, with the goal of creating a strong foundation for the swing.

2. The Hips

   After the weight shift, the golfer begins to rotate their hips toward the target. This rotation helps to generate additional power and speed, as well as helping to maintain balance and stability throughout the swing. The hips should rotate in a smooth and controlled manner, without any jerky or sudden movements that can throw off the swing.

3. The Hands

   Once the lower body and hips have initiated the downswing, it’s time for the hands to get involved. The golfer should start to release their wrists and let the clubhead drop down toward the ball. This movement is known as the release, and it’s critical for generating clubhead speed and accuracy. The release should be smooth and controlled, with the goal of delivering the clubhead to the ball at the perfect moment.

Putting it all Together

While the lower body, hips, and hands all start at different times during the downswing, they should all work together in a coordinated and precise sequence. The weight shift initiates the movement, the hips generate additional power and the hands release the clubhead to deliver maximum speed and accuracy to the ball. If any of these elements are out of sync, it can result in an inconsistent and inaccurate shot.

Tips for a Successful Downswing

Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful downswing:

1. Practice regularly: The downswing is a complex movement that requires precision and timing. The more you practice, the better you will get at coordinating the different elements of the swing.
2. Focus on the weight shift: The weight shift is the foundation of the downswing, so it’s critical to get it right. Focus on shifting your weight smoothly and quickly to the front foot, without losing your balance or stability.
3. Use your hips: The hips play a critical role in generating power and speed in the downswing. Focus on rotating your hips toward the target, while keeping your upper body stable.
4. Release the clubhead: The release is a key element of the downswing that helps to generate clubhead speed and accuracy. Focus on releasing your wrists at the right moment, without forcing the shot or over-swinging.
5. Maintain balance and stability: The downswing requires a lot of movement and energy, but it’s important to maintain your balance and stability throughout the swing. Focus on keeping your feet firmly planted and your upper body steady.

Conclusion

The downswing is a critical part of the golf swing that requires precision, timing, and coordination. While the lower body, hips, and hands all start at different times during the downswing, they should all work together in a smooth and precise sequence. By practicing regularly and focusing on the weight shift, hip rotation, and clubhead release, you can improve your downswing and achieve greater accuracy and power in your shots. Remember that the downswing is just one element of the golf swing, and success on the course requires a combination of skills, practice, and mental focus.