Downswing and TransitionSwing and Swing Plane All clubs Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 7 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

A Stretch Feeling at the Start of the Downswing

Name: A Stretch Feeling at the Start of the Downswing
Uploaded: 2023-03-31T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 6 min 35 s
Channel: Padraig Harrington
Description: Padraig Harrington is wary of the “shallowing” trend. For him, the start of the downswing feels like a stretch: you turn toward your left heel while keeping your arms back. He demonstrates this by grabbing a cart, then using a towel.

Padraig Harrington is wary of the “shallowing” trend. For him, the start of the downswing feels like a stretch: you turn toward your left heel while keeping your arms back. He demonstrates this by grabbing a cart, then using a towel.

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Padraig Harrington · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

12 minSame problemStart the Downswing with Your Legs: Unscrew the LidDanny Maude · Intermediate 10 minSame problemPressure on the inside of the lead foot in the downswingSimon Camirand · Intermediate 7 minFrom the same proPre-shot routine under pressure: HarringtonPadraig Harrington · Beginner / Intermediate / Expert

What the lesson shows

Padraig Harrington starts by offering a simple tip for anyone who’s coming back to the sport: practice with the ball above your feet, including practice swings. A few hundred balls over three 20-minute sessions will help you develop a draw, since you naturally swing from the inside. He then describes the actual feel of the start of the downswing. In practice, you work from shoulder to shoulder: the club’s weight will do the rest.

At the top, grab onto something stable (a cart, a piece of gym equipment), then Turn as you move down toward your left heel, without extending your left leg. Don't let your arms move with your body, or you'll end up going over the top. You'll feel a stretching of the left shoulder, arm, and wrist, and the wrist rotates slightly: it’s this small movement that flattens the club. That’s why it’s important not to take a full backswing: you need to leave some room to stretch. Performing this motion with just your hands would be “flailing.”.

The Exercise, Step by Step

To work on a draw, hit your practice balls so that the ball is above your feet, and take practice swings at the same height.
Reach the top of your backswing by holding onto a stationary object, such as a cart.
Turn while lowering your weight toward your left heel without straightening your left leg.
Keep your arms behind you: feel the stretch in your left shoulder, arm, and wrist.
Repeat the movement using a taut towel or a rubber band, so you can feel your wrist rotate slightly.
Replicate that feeling with the club, shoulder to shoulder.

Key Takeaways

Practicing with the ball above your feet helps develop an inside-out swing.

In practice, we work side by side.

The downswing begins with a rotation toward the left heel.

The left leg doesn't straighten all at once.

Keep your arms behind you: you'll feel a stretch on your left side.

A backswing that’s slightly short of the maximum leaves room to stretch.

Mistakes to Avoid

Try to “shallower” the club using only your hands.
Suddenly straighten your left leg as you go downhill.
Let your arms move with your body: return over your head.
Take a full backswing, with no room for stretching.
Bend your left wrist as you go down.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

"Ball-over-the-feet" sessions
Fixed object gripped at the top, rotation toward the left heel
A towel or elastic band to help you feel the stretch
Shoulder-to-Shoulder Swings

Your Questions

Why practice with the ball above your feet?

Because this stance makes you swing from the inside and from below. Padraig Harrington believes that hitting a few hundred balls over three 20-minute sessions will help you develop a draw.

What should you be aware of at the start of the downswing?

Stretch your left shoulder, arm, and wrist as you turn toward your left heel, keeping your arms behind you.

Should you use your hands to make the club “shallower”?

No. He advises against it: moving just one part of the body is called “flailing.” The slight flattening comes from the stretch.

Why not take a full backswing?

If you're already at your maximum stretch at the top, you can't stretch any further on the way down. You have to stay just below that point.

Learn More

All “Downhill and Transition” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Swing and Swing Plane” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Padraig HarringtonAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Padraig Harrington). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.