What does “over the top” mean on a golf swing?
When the path of the hands move forward at the beginning of the downswing When the shaft of the club stays “above plane” in the downswing This list could get longer, but as you can see, over the top can mean something different to each person you talk to.
What does over the top mean?
What does over the top mean? The term over the top is used in reference to the swing plane ...specifically the original shaft plane. Imagine a line that runs from the head of your club up the shaft, through the grip and indefinitely up to the sky. When your swing is on plane, your club will move up and down on this line.
Why do I Keep Coming Over the top of the ball?
The main reason you're coming over the top is due to over-use of your body, and the sequence of motion in your swing is off. The first step to fixing this is taking a look at the initial move away from the ball...
What causes golfers to come over the top?
If coming over the top causes slices, what causes golfers to come over the top? The answer, Troyer says, is simple: They turn too quickly on the downswing. Insisted, golfers should think of “tilting” as their first move down.
What does it mean when you come over the top in golf?
What happens when you come over the top?
How to catch a golf ball?
How to get your golf swing on plane?
How do I stop coming over the top in my golf swing?
1:073:36The Golf Fix - Stop Coming Over the Top | Golf Channel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipObviously to turn but then it's going to help you kind of start. That lower body first because we'reMoreObviously to turn but then it's going to help you kind of start. That lower body first because we're going to help frees up the upper body by keeping this club perpendicular to the ground here.
What happens when you come over the top?
Coming over the top is an error which occurs when you get to the top of the backswing. The next move is supposed to be powered by the lower half of the body and getting it wrong will mess up your swing plane, causing hooks, slices and other common swing issues.
How do you know if your coming over the top?
0:288:54Why You're Coming Over The Top In Your Golf Swing + How To Fix It!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what do I see is the main reason for this overuse of your body. Ok too much tension in your arms.MoreSo what do I see is the main reason for this overuse of your body. Ok too much tension in your arms. And you're not letting your arms swing. So the sequence of motion is a little off.
Is it OK to come over the top golf?
2:006:203 REASONS YOU COME OVER THE TOP IN YOUR DOWNSWINGYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the over-the-top move in that case is actually something which is useful for that golfer. So theMoreSo the over-the-top move in that case is actually something which is useful for that golfer. So the first thing you need to check is your wrist positions at the top we want your lead risk to be flat.
Do any pro golfers come over the top?
Craig Stadler, Craig Parry and many other champion golfers swing this way. Bruce Lietzke made a wonderful career on the PGA Tour with an “in-and-over” move. Their secret was simple: They made one move from the top of the swing.
How do I start over in my golf swing?
2:143:55How to start your golf swing like a pro - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGetting the body to start the swing rather than the hands and the arms taking. Over try that on theMoreGetting the body to start the swing rather than the hands and the arms taking. Over try that on the range to start with once you've got the feel of it.
Why can't I stop coming over the top?
3:077:08HOW TO STOP COMING OVER THE TOP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd my elbows. That are doing this that's how I change the angle of the club shaft. So those golfersMoreAnd my elbows. That are doing this that's how I change the angle of the club shaft. So those golfers who do come over the top will generally have the club shaft. Far too steep.
Does coming over the top cause a shank?
It often comes when the clubface is too open on the backswing, which causes you to loop the club to the outside coming down—called swinging over the top. This re-routing can move the hosel closer to the ball, leading to a shank. It also can cause a shift onto your toes, another shank producer. Here's what to check.
How do you cheat at Topgolf?
The primary factor behind the Topgolf pirouette is the golfer not keeping both feet on the floor while they swing. Just keep their feet on the floor and they'll be connecting with the ball far more cleanly and consistently, instantly.
Is Topgolf fun if you don't golf?
One, Topgolf sure is a lot of fun for people who love golf. And two, Topgolf sure is a lot of fun for people who don't have any golfing experience whatsoever.
Can you go to Topgolf alone?
Nothing. All our clubs are complimentary to use during game play. We have clubs for men, ladies, left-handers, right-handers, kids, and toddlers for your convenience. Men's and women's clubs are already in each bay.
Is it weird to bring your own clubs to Topgolf?
Having your own clubs can benefit your swing and help you feel more in control of what you are doing. If you are playing in any kind of competitive league at TopGolf, it is almost necessary for you to bring your own golf clubs.
What is an over the top swing?
An over the top swing is one that features a downswing in which the clubhead is located outside of the target line as it makes it descent towards the ball. Indeed, as the name of the swing error suggests the clubhead will be situated on top of the target line – generally speaking – and it will travel towards the ball on an outside-in club path, ...
How to do a downswing in golf?
In order to initiate the downswing properly you must resist turning your shoulders and hands forward , which is what happens with the over the top swing error. Rather, focus on your right elbow and initiate the downswing with your elbow dropping down rather than moving forward and out .
How to correct a swing?
Instead, a square takeaway or even an inside takeaway while you work to get rid of the swing error may be preferable. You’ll then need to make sure the club is positioned correctly at the top of the swing.
Can a golf club follow a square inside club path?
Thanks to its location outside or on top of the target line the club cannot follow a desirable inside-square-inside club path. Instead, it will come in towards the ball under an outside-in club path, a path that is strongly associated with slices and one that cannot produce straight shots at the target. It can even lead to shanks.
An Endless List
When I see a golf swing, I can easily predict (like most of you reading) when others are going to say, “He comes over the top.”
There is No Universal Definition for Over the Top
This list could get longer, but as you can see, over the top can mean something different to each person you talk to. But every scenario I listed above can create a shot that flies in the hole.
Be Careful With This Term
Now finally how to get something useful out of this blog post. When you walk into a lesson, the best thing you can do is tell your teacher what you want to do better. Don’t waste your time and money telling the teacher what you think you do wrong.
What is an over the top golf swing?
An over the top golf swing or shot happens when the golfer (right-handed) moves their right shoulder and arms at the top of the downswing out to the right first. This results in the downswing coming down steep and cutting across ...
Which side of the body should I swing my golf club from?
Pulling from the left side is key. Using more of the left side of the body you can get yourself in a much better position to strike the golf ball. Using the left side of the body is more of a pulling motion and a much more efficient way to swing the golf club. Here’s a video I did with my friends at The Art of Simple Golf ...
What is the downswing in golf?
This results in the downswing coming down steep and cutting across the golf ball from an out to in position (right to left). It is also sometimes called an outside to inside golf swing. The result is you either pull the golf ball to the left (if the clubface is square) or slice it out to the right (if the clubface is open).
How to do a golf swing with a backswing?
Take a normal golf swing and pause at the top of the backswing. Instead of starting the downswing by moving your right shoulder and arm to the right and down do this: Drop the hands around waist height and pause. Finish the swing off as normal driving through with the legs. Repeat and repeat again.
Can you swing over the top of a golf club?
You’ll notice the club will drop perfectly on plane right throughout the downswing to impact. In fact, it’s impossible to swing over the top this way because of the way the body is anatomically built. Try doing the same drill with your right arm swinging the club only (right-hander).
Why is my golf club thrown on the outside of the intended swing plane?
Over the Top is perhaps the most common swing fault among high handicap golfers. It occurs due to an overuse of the upper body on the downswing. As a result the club will be thrown on the outside of the intended swing plane with the club head approaching the ball from outside to in. This creates a pull if the clubface is square or a slice if the club face is open.
How to get better at golf swing?
Start with exercises for hip and spine mobility and then progress to weight shift sequencing drills . Below are some exercises and drills to help you eliminate the Over-the-Top.
1. Object by the ball
It doesn’t need to be a pool noodle, Clearwarter says. A bottle, headcover or other obstacle can work just as well. Place it just outside the ball and then start hitting (the ball, not the object!).
2. Diagonal pool noodle
You’ll need a friend to help you with this one, but all they’ll need to do is stand there and hold a pool noodle, alignment rod or club at a 45-degree angle. Your goal is simple: To swing under the obstacle on your downswing.
Where do you finish when you start down?
If you start down by pulling your hands out away from your body (i.e., over the top), they have nowhere to go but left, across your body, finishing near your left hip pocket. There’s no power in that.
What happens if you rotate your shoulders open?
If your first move from the top was to rotate your shoulders open, and come over the top, your hands would hit the shaft and the ball would bounce to the left. You can do this drill with just a ball at home to get a feel for how the hands and arms follow the lower body on the downswing, and approach the ball from the inside.
How far forward should you throw the ball?
Toss the ball at a spot on the ground approximately 2 yards forward and to the right of the target line (see photo, above). For this to occur, you must initiate the downswing with your lower body, transferring your weight forward while your hands and arms move down toward the ball and out toward the target line.
How far behind a ball should you put a shaft?
Tee a ball as normal and then stick a shaft in the ground at a 45-degree angle to the ground, approximately 1-1/2 to 2 feet behind the ball and 6 inches outside of the target line (i.e., farther away from your body).
What does it mean when you come over the top in golf?
Coming over the top is a dreaded swing issue that can wreak havoc in your golf game. You never know when it is going to strike but, when it does, it’s important to be able to recognise it and fix it. This is a problem that many golfers will face in their life, if you’re going through it now then you’re not alone.
What happens when you come over the top?
When you are coming over the top, you will be delivering the club inconsistently, hence the resulting slices, hooks and everything in between . This will ruin your accuracy as you can miss both left and right without rhyme nor reason.
How to catch a golf ball?
Stand in a golf stance with a wall a few feet in front of you. Make a golf swing movement and release the ball at impact. It should come off the wall and be easy for you to catch. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
How to get your golf swing on plane?
1. Head cover/towel drill. There are a few tricks you can use to get out of this bad habit. One great tool is your golf towel or a head cover which you tuck under your arm (right for righties, left for lefties). This puts a focus on you keeping your arms in sync with your body and helps you get your swing on plane. 2.