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how to develop a pause at the top of the golf swing

by Brant Hauck Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To incorporate your pause, start by taking a short club and making some half backswings. At the top of your swing count to 3 before you make your downswing. This will feel like a huge pause but it sets the tone of making a backswing and downswing as two separate movements without any jump and lurch from the top.

Part of a video titled Master the Downswing Transition: Pause Drill - YouTube
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We might just go to a 3/4 to full position. And then we pause let out a breath of air. And start theMoreWe might just go to a 3/4 to full position. And then we pause let out a breath of air. And start the strike down to the ball. So this will allow us to gain a better sense of feel for the transition.

Full Answer

Do you have a pause in the golf swing?

Byron Nelson was one of the best examples of the distinct pause in the golf swing. Take a look, it’s a thing of beauty. You can see the club floating for a very brief moment. If you go out to any golf course over the weekend you will notice that the swings have what I would describe as a “violent” transition.

How do I practice pausing at the end of the backswing?

To practice pausing correctly at the end of the backswing, count out the swing when hitting a golf ball. A simple count such as "one and two" in a suitable rhythm is perfect during the swing. "One" should be counted at the start of the swing, "and" is the pause itself at the end of the backswing, and "two" is the strike of the golf ball.

How can I improve my transition of my golf swing?

Let your backswing happen, and resist the urge to be on that roller coaster speeding towards the bottom. I have struggled with the transition of my swing, and it’s mostly on tee shots because like you, I fall victim to wanting to kill the ball. It results in wildly inconsistent shots that make golf just a bit harder.

Is there a right way to swing a golf club?

There is no right way to swing a golf club. Every golfer is unique, and I’ve always believed that each swing is like a fingerprint. That being said, there are certain fundamentals that can be met in order to make it easier to hit more golf shots in the direction you are aimed. Golf swing transition is one of those topics.

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Does pausing at the top of your golf swing?

4:246:18GOLF BACKSWING: Should You Pause At The Top? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSign if you need a little more. Time then pause a little longer or hesitate a little longer. AndMoreSign if you need a little more. Time then pause a little longer or hesitate a little longer. And then you'll see you've got time to think about the parts of your swing.

Is a pause at top of backswing good?

It sets up the perfect storm for gravity to take over on the downswing and maximum speed unleashed into the ball. Those who pause are also known to be strategists on the golf course. They like to pick away at their targets and hit the ball relatively straight with very little curvature.

Why does Matsuyama pause at the top?

As Hideki told Golf Digest in 2018: When he got on tour in 2014 he started swinging so hard that his backswing got too quick and uncontrollable. The pause came when he tried to slow down his backswing, and now, he doesn't even notice he's doing it.

How do you get the perfect position at the top of the golf swing?

3:535:37How to achieve the perfect top of the golf backswing position - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGetting the lift of the arms. So the hands are aligned they're on top of the right shoulder.MoreGetting the lift of the arms. So the hands are aligned they're on top of the right shoulder.

How do I stop my hitch in my golf swing?

4:396:01How To Stop Swinging Over The Top In the Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGive you a bit more distance as well. So set that up on the range remember to start with theMoreGive you a bit more distance as well. So set that up on the range remember to start with the clubface turning first change that ball flights got to go left and then change your swing plane.

How do I stop my golf swing fast?

0:127:03How To Stop Rushing The Downswing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTalk or a faster paced. Person I would swing a little bit with a quicker temper someone who's moreMoreTalk or a faster paced. Person I would swing a little bit with a quicker temper someone who's more sort of ladi Dadi.

How do you swing like Matsuyama?

12:5414:12HOW TO SET UP YOUR GOLF SWING LIKE HIDEKI MATSUYAMA ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you see him really shifting nicely from behind into that forward side and now that forwardMoreAnd then you see him really shifting nicely from behind into that forward side and now that forward side is keeping him behind the ball. As he's releasing through the ball and toward the target.

How does Jon Rahm hit it so far with a short backswing?

Rahm revealed during his pre-championship presser that he was born with a club foot on his right side. This relatively common birth defect means that a baby is born with a foot that's “twisted out of shape or position,” and is relatively simple to treat.

How do I slow down my driver swing?

0:264:59HOW TO SLOW DOWN YOUR GOLF BACKSWING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is the tip to do that or this is the way to do that what you're going to do is you're going toMoreThis is the tip to do that or this is the way to do that what you're going to do is you're going to count a two count going back a one count coming down now don't comment about tour tempo.

What should the golf club look like at the top of the swing?

1:463:11Top of the Golf Swing - How to Position the Club Correctly at the TopYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd keep the wrist quite strong without dropping the golf club too far over the top this way I canMoreAnd keep the wrist quite strong without dropping the golf club too far over the top this way I can see what time I can get my swing to my goal swing normally goes between two o'clock with the ions.

What should the top of your golf swing look like?

Top Of Golf Swing Video Summary Ensure your head has remained at the same height and feel that the left arm is strong and not flexed. Your body weight should be 60% on the instep of your right foot, but the left foot should have remained still.

How do I get a flat wrist at the top of my backswing?

10:1513:09Drills to Flatten The Left Wrist - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipContact. I want my right hand facing down. And then from there I want to release my right hand andMoreContact. I want my right hand facing down. And then from there I want to release my right hand and get the wrist perfectly flat. At about a 45 degree angle in front.

Who is the best example of pause in golf swing?

Byron Nelson was one of the best examples of the distinct pause in the golf swing. Take a look, it’s a thing of beauty. You can see the club floating for a very brief moment. If you go out to any golf course over the weekend you will notice that the swings have what I would describe as a “violent” transition.

What is the transition in golf swing?

One part of the golf swing that I’ve seen many players struggle with (including myself) is their transition. The small amount of time that separates your backswing from your downswing can be crucial in determining the success of your shot.

What does pause feel like?

The pause can feel like the fraction of a second when you reach the top of a swing at the playground. It’s like taking a bucket full of water and trying to swing it back and forth without letting any spill out.

How to drill on the range?

If you feel that you are someone who struggles with these issues, an easy drill you can try on the range is simply to exaggerate a pause. You can start with short shots with your wedges and work your way up to a full swing.

Why don't players finish their backswing?

Many players don’t even finish their backswing, which can be the result of nerves and a desire to smash the ball.

Do professional golfers have pauses?

If you watch many professional golfers you’ll notice that they have beautiful timing in their swing, and some of them will have a brief pause at the top. Some players’ pauses are extremely quick, and others seem to take forever, but it’s there.

Is it easier to play golf with a smooth swing?

There are always exceptions to any rule, especially when it comes to golf swings, but having a smooth, balanced swing certainly makes it easier to be a successful golfer.

About the author

Tom Edrington spent the first 10 years of his misguided youth as a sports writer for the Tampa Tribune. His career brought him face to face with many of sports greatest stars -- Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Muhammad Ali, Don Shula, countless Hall of Fame NFL stars, more PGA Tour players than he can count.

Tom Edrington

Tom Edrington spent the first 10 years of his misguided youth as a sports writer for the Tampa Tribune. His career brought him face to face with many of sports greatest stars -- Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Muhammad Ali, Don Shula, countless Hall of Fame NFL stars, more PGA Tour players than he can count.

How to practice pausing at the end of a golf swing?

To practice pausing correctly at the end of the backswing, count out the swing when hitting a golf ball. A simple count such as "one and two" in a suitable rhythm is perfect during the swing. "One" should be counted at the start of the swing, "and" is the pause itself at the end of the backswing, and "two" is the strike of the golf ball. This rhythm represents perfect timing for a golf swing and where most golfers experience just a "one, two" movement, make sure to introduce the "and" which represents the pause.

Why do you have to pause when playing golf?

Improved performance under pressure. Even if you aren't a professional golfer competing on TV for millions of dollars, you still are likely to find pressure on the course from time to time. That pressure could come from trying to beat the other players in your group, or simply from trying to improve on your own personal best score. No matter what it is that has you feeling the pressure, an extended pause can help you to stay on track when the nerves do hit. Most golfers tend to speed up and rush their swings when the pressure is on, so a pause is a perfect counterpoint to that tendency. As long as you stick with your pause even under pressure, you should be able to play well no matter what is on the line.

What is compact pause?

Compact - A pause gives the golfer a sense of where the golf club is at the end of the backswing. With this awareness the golfer can keep the club under control and keep the swing short and compact for more consistency. To practice pausing correctly at the end of the backswing, count out the swing when hitting a golf ball.

How does a golf swing work?

The golf swing travels in two directions: one direction where the golfer swings the golf club back away from the golf ball - the backswing, and one direction where the golfer swings the golf club forwards through the golf ball - the through swing, downswing or forward swing. In between the two movements backwards and forwards there will already be ...

What is pause in golf?

Time - A pause at the end of backswing point alleviates any 'hitting' action from the very start of the downswing and provides time to set or reset the golf club correctly, ready to attack the golf ball. It also allows time for the body weight to move into the front foot so that the golf club can drive correctly downwards into ...

Why do golfers stop at the top of the swing?

One of the reasons most golfers would resist the idea of extending the pause at the top of the swing is because they are trying to build as much speed as possible. For most players, the swing is a rush from address to impact, as they turn back and through as fast as possible in order to accelerate the club. However, this approach fails to recognize the fact which we laid out above – the club is going to stop at the top of the backswing anyway. There will be no momentum carried from backswing to forward swing, meaning it doesn't matter how fast or slow you swing back, as that piece of the puzzle has no impact on your power. All the speed you are able to build in the golf swing is going to have to develop from the top of the swing on down to the ball. It is just that simple.

How to score well on a golf course?

Yes, it helps to smash long and straight drives from the tee, but even the best tee shots are only going to go so far in terms of helping you score. To place the ball close to the hole and set up birdie and par chances, you need to have great control over the way you swing your short clubs. One of the best ways to improve your control is to add time to your pause at the top of the backswing. This pause will prevent you from rushing through the swing, and it will make it easier to stay on plane coming down toward impact. Players who are deliberate at the top of the swing tend to be quality short iron players, a point which should be motivation enough to cause you to work a longer pause.

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