Downswing Pattern & Drill 1

Class 5 - Basic Upper Body Patterns

Nick Clearwater

Head of Instruction at GOLFTEC

Summary

This lesson discusses the importance of upper body patterns during the downswing, using LPGA Tour player Anne Van Dam as an example. It highlights key movements, such as the transition from backward bending in the backswing to forward bending in the downswing, and the proper shoulder tilt. The video provides practical exercises to help golfers practice and perfect these movements.

Key Takeaways:

Upper Body Bending:

In the backswing, extend your back and tilt your shoulders backward.
On the downswing, bend forward at the pelvis and shoulders until the shaft is parallel to the ground.

Shoulder Tilt:

At the top of the swing, shoulders should tilt downward towards the ground.
By the time the shaft is parallel to the ground on the downswing, the shoulders should tilt slightly to the right.

Proper Alignment:

When the shaft is parallel to the ground during the downswing, the shoulders should be nearly square to the target.
Ensuring proper alignment is crucial for accurate ball striking at impact.

Practice Techniques:

Practice individual movements: backward bending, forward bending, and shoulder tilting.
Use a wall or doorjamb to practice maintaining head position and proper bending.
Film your swing to check for correct form and alignment.

By mastering these upper body movements, golfers can improve their downswing mechanics, leading to better shot accuracy and consistency. The next class will focus on the movement of the lead arm and wrist throughout the swing.