The over the top golf swing is so common amongst golfers because there is a natural tendency to hit the golf ball with predominately the upper body. In particular, your right shoulder and right arm want to release extra power and as a result, are forced out wide and then have to cut across the golf ball to make any sort of decent contact.
What causes you to top the golf ball?
Here are a few solutions depending on what is causing you to top the golf ball: This mechanical error in your golf swing can result in topping the ball. Whether you’re sliding your hips back and not correcting prior to impact or you’re sliding too far forward during the downswing, the result is the same.
Why is the over the top golf swing so common?
The over the top golf swing is so common amongst golfers because there is a natural tendency to hit the golf ball with predominately the upper body. In particular, your right shoulder and right arm want to release extra power and as a result, are forced out wide and then have to cut across the golf ball to make any sort of decent contact.
What happens if you hit a golf ball to the left?
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). Both shots will put you in a lot of trouble and often are hit with less power.
Why do I keep hooking the golf ball?
Hooking the golf ball? Rotate your body Another common cause of the hook is an early release of the angle in the hands through impact. In my experience, this happens because golfers stop rotating their bodies. A great tip that will help is simply to turn your left foot out a fraction at address (as above).
How do I fix the coming across the golf ball?
1:073:36The Golf Fix - Stop Coming Over the Top | Golf Channel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat lower body first because we're going to help frees up the upper body by keeping this clubMoreThat lower body first because we're going to help frees up the upper body by keeping this club perpendicular to the ground here. And as I've done that drill I get this sense that my lower body is.
How do I stop coming across the line in golf?
2:2511:26Stop Going Across The Line At The Top Of Your Golf Swing With This ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBall. If it's like this more inside the golf ball. We're gonna have to make some compensations.MoreBall. If it's like this more inside the golf ball. We're gonna have to make some compensations.
Why am I swinging over the ball?
A golfer is said to swing over the top of the ball when the club comes down on a very steep angle from outside-inside. Generally this type of swing creates a a big divot that points to the left of target . The ball flight can be a pull or a pull hook to the left, or a terrible slice to the right.
Why do I keep cutting across the golf ball?
The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. This open club face will give you contact that isn't square and often feels like a “side swipe.” The most common cause of an open club face is an incorrect grip as your hand position will directly reflect in the face.
Why do I swing across the line?
One common cause is a takeaway that's too far inside the target line, putting the clubhead on a path to the right of target. Some golfers take the club up too steeply, while others fail to rotate the arms properly on the backswing. Typical results of an across-the-line position include pushed shots and hooks.
What causes across the line?
0:376:03Malaska Golf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what tends to cause across the line one of the biggest reasons for most people is they take theMoreSo what tends to cause across the line one of the biggest reasons for most people is they take the club way too much to the inside. So the club's going this way and it can't keep going that way.
How do you cure coming over the top in golf?
To stop coming over-the-top, you need to work on shallowing the golf club in the downswing. This involves developing a more relaxed, tensionless feeling at the top of the backswing. Using alignment sticks to direct club path can also offer real-time feedback as to whether your action is, in fact, over-the-top.
Why can't I stop coming over the top golf?
One of the most common causes of the over-the-top move is when golfers fail to transfer their weight properly. This can lead to what's known as a reverse pivot where the weight stays on the left leg throughout the backswing and then shifts onto the right side coming down into impact.
How do I stop my golf swing from going over the top?
5:347:13Stop Swinging "OVER THE TOP" In Golf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike i have here but this is simple simply back yourself up until you're about a hands width awayMoreLike i have here but this is simple simply back yourself up until you're about a hands width away from the wall with your buttocks flip the club around so you're actually holding.
Can standing too close to the ball cause a slice?
Standing too close to the golf ball will result in a posture that's too upright, which could result in inconsistent shots and no control over the ball. Standing too close to the ball can result in slices and shanks, which are very common among average players.
How do I stop slicing a golf ball while driving?
How To Fix Your Slice: 7 Simple Steps To Straight Golf ShotsDon't Aim Left.Position Your Golf Ball Properly in Your Setup.Take Note of Your Divots.Fix Your Grip.Keep Your Elbow Tucked During Your Backswing.Transfer Your Weight.Release the Club Prior to Impact.
Why am I pulling my driver left?
If it's a pull, there are two likely reasons why the ball is starting left: 1) your body and clubface are aimed left of the target at address, which promotes an out-to-in path; or 2) you're aiming properly but the clubface is closed too much at the point of contact.
Why do you use tees in golf?
As a side note, we’d recommend using tees to start with to ensure no damage is done in the event of any mishaps. Over time, the benefits from honing this move will be plentiful. For one, it will improve the quality of your strike, which in turn will increase your swing speed, ball speed and therefore distance.
How to feel like you're whipping a wicked topspin forehand?
In tennis terms, it should feel like you’re whipping a wicked topspin forehand. Once you’ve set the drill up, raise your driver off the ground and take some initial practice swings to really get a sense of what you’re trying to achieve. Then give it a go and see how you get on.
What does it mean when you top the ball in golf?
When you “top the ball” in golf, it means one simple thing is going on. The club is striking the ball above its equator. Unfortunately, there are a few potential causes of that. You may be experiencing one or more of these causes. The golf swing is like a machine.
What happens if you hit the ball too far forward?
For instance, if the ball is too far forward or back in your stance, the arc of your swing will be off, resulting in a topped golf shot. Solution: Position the ball in the middle of your stance for irons and in-line with the lead heel for your driver.
What happens if your arc is too high?
When this happens you usually have two options. You either completely whiff the ball. Embarrassing, but it happens. Or you hit above the equator, topping the ball. You reach the bottom of the arc before hitting the ball and are on an upswing when the club connects.
What happens if you slide your hips back in golf?
This mechanical error in your golf swing can result in topping the ball. Whether you’re sliding your hips back and not correcting prior to impact or you’re sliding too far forward during the downswing, the result is the same.
What happens when you hit the bottom of the arc too late?
When the bottom of the arc occurs too late, you’re still hitting above the ball’s equator, meaning you’re hitting at the top of the ball rather than the sweet spot.
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Do skilled golfers make the mistake of topping the ball?
Even skilled golfers make the mistake of topping the ball on occasion, according to Jack Nicklaus. It’s not something reserved for “newbie” golfers. In most cases, skilled golfers make this mistake when swinging for the fences (for those who like the occasional mixed sports metaphor). When you’re really trying for maximum distance is ...
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 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 ...
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).
How to throw a golf club toward the ground?
It can be helpful to practice this by placing a ball in your right hand, from your golf posture. Allow the elbow to fold as it would in your backswing and then throw the ball so that it hits the ground.
What ruins a golf swing?
Nothing ruins a great golf swing like a loss of balance. Assuming you’re in a good set up to start, it only takes a small loss of balance to cause you to top the ball. A good check of balance is holding your finish until your golf ball lands.
How to get the ball down to the ground?
1. Bad Posture. Good posture is the basis for solid contact. Bowing forward from your hips so that your hands can hang below your shoulders can put you in balance and also get the club down to the ground. Too much knee flex or squatting can often make it extremely difficult to get the club down into the turf, and therefore get the ball into the air.
Why is my ball not rolling across the ground?
In simplest terms, in order to get the ball up into the air — and not rolling across the ground — is to hit down into the dirt. (GETTY) If that’s not happening, there may be a few reasons why. Here are some of the most common I see: 1. Bad Posture. Good posture is the basis for solid contact.
How to brush grass without a club?
Keeping your hands away from your sternum can help to maintain the width of your backswing, making it easier to brush the grass. One of my favorite drills for feeling this is to hold your lead wrist with your trail hand. From here, make your backswing without a club and feel your trail arm pull your lead arm wide.
Why is it so hard to keep your head down?
The problem with keeping your head down is that it limits your body’s ability to move athletically. If you attempt to keep your head down, it’s very difficult to allow your body to rotate properly on your downswing to get the club down to the ground and the ball into the air. 7. Tension in hands and arms.
What happens if you stand too far away from the ball?
If you stand too far away from the ball at address, it’s almost difficult not to top the ball without a heroic move. Reaching for the ball — where your arms often get into a diagonal position — will often lead to a thin shot or a top.
Why do I get hooks on my swing?
Probably the most common swing-related cause of the hook is an inactive lower body. If you struggle to transfer your weight during the downswing, your hands will take over and a quick hook is very much on the cards.
Why do I get hooks in my hands?
Rotate your body. Another common cause of the hook is an early release of the angle in the hands through impact. In my experience, this happens because golfers stop rotating their bodies. A great tip that will help is simply to turn your left foot out a fraction at address (as above).
How to make a grip change?
In this instance, start with seeing one and a half knuckles on your right hand and hit some half shots. You should begin to see and feel a difference. From there, work towards grooving a more neutral grip and you’ll kill your hooks for good.
What happens if you struggle to transfer weight during the downswing?
If you struggle to transfer your weight during the downswing, your hands will take over and a quick hook is very much on the cards. RELATED: How to stop toe strikes. If this sounds like you, take your normal address position and slightly close the face of your iron – it sounds counterintuitive, but it works.
How to tell if you have a strong grip on a hook?
If, for example, you can see three on the left but only one on the right, you have a strong grip and that could be causing the hook.
What are the challenges of golf?
One of the great challenges when studying golf is knowing when information is correct for you. The foot positions that are great for the the tour players, might not be appropriate for anyone with flexibility limitations. A square back foot and a flared forward foot will affect the swing path and produce a slice for many golfers who have limitations.
What is the purpose of a square face golf club?
One of the great stabilizers of a square club face is to keep your underarms relatively close to your body throughout your golf swing. If on your backswing or your downswing your underarms move away from your body, it is very easy to open the face.
How to rotate back on a golf swing?
If you slice the ball try the opposite. Flare your back foot and square your forward foot. This will help increase your ability to rotate back and also slow your body rotation down on your forward swing, both helping with path and sequencing of body and arms. 1. Open club face 2. Thumbs too on-top of the grip 3.
Why do I slice my golf club?
1. Open club face. The most common cause of a slice is an open club face. This open club face will give you contact that isn’t square and often feels like a “side swipe.”. The most common cause of an open club face is an incorrect grip as your hand position will directly reflect in the face. You can make this adjustment by turning one of both ...
What happens if you move your ball too far back?
Ball position that is too far back can cause a slice and/or a pop up. As your move your ball more forward it is also important that you allow your shoulders to tilt back and away from the target. Your lead shoulder should get higher and your back shoulder lower.
How does width affect golf swing?
If the lead arm stays too stiff for too long on your forward swing, this will not only hold the club face open and making the ball s lice, but also delays the release of the club face and the speed associated.
Why do I keep slicing the golf ball?
There may be no greater power loss than a slice. The ball sometimes starts out ok and then makes this depressing curve, robbing you of all of your potential distance and power.
