Downswing and TransitionSwing and Swing Plane All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 16 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

3 Downswing Exercises: Weight Transfer, Sequence, Plane

Name: 3 Downswing Exercises: Weight Transfer, Sequence, Plane
Uploaded: 2025-01-10T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 16 min 11 s
Channel: Gabriel Anglade
Description: The downswing is the phase where everything comes into play—and also the one where you lose your form the fastest. The Ecole Golf instructor identifies three common mistakes among amateur golfers and suggests a simple exercise for each one—one that requires minimal equipment and won’t lead to overcorrection.

The downswing is the phase where everything comes into play—and also the one where you lose your form the fastest. The Ecole Golf instructor identifies three common mistakes among amateur golfers and suggests a simple exercise for each one—one that requires minimal equipment and won’t lead to overcorrection.

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Gabriel Anglade · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemA Stretch Feeling at the Start of the DownswingPadraig Harrington · Intermediate / Expert 12 minSame problemStart the Downswing with Your Legs: Unscrew the LidDanny Maude · Intermediate 9 minFrom the same proWristy Putting: The Alignment Stick DrillGabriel Anglade · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

First point: the support recovery (rather than a “transfer”) onto the front leg. Many players do this too late, after the ball has already been struck: it becomes more about form than effectiveness, resulting in fat shots and imperfect contact. The exercise: deliberately lift the front heel during the takeoff, bringing the knee inward, then push him back down to the ground before his left arm is parallel to the ground on the downhill. For seniors with limited hip mobility, lifting that heel isn't a big deal: Jack Nicklaus did it his entire career.

Second point: the motion sequence, the order: hips, torso, hands, club. One wand passes through the belt loops, another is held against the shoulders with arms crossed: on the downswing, the wand at the shoulders must pass behind the one at the hips, and both remain angled toward the floor (also useful against ’early extension“). Third point: the over the top. With your left hand removed from the club and tucked into the crook of your right elbow, make small, slow swings while keeping that arm close to your body on the backswing: the club passes below the swing plane, and the ball flies with a slight draw.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Support recovery: As you rise, lift your front heel while bringing your knee inward.
On the way down, bring your heel back to the floor before your left arm is parallel to the floor; start slowly.
Movement: Slide one wand through the belt loops and place another one across your shoulders, with your arms crossed.
Assume the pose and lower yourself, bringing your shoulders behind your hips, with both tilted toward the floor.
From the top: Remove your left hand from the club and tuck it into the crook of your right elbow.
Take small, slow swings, keeping your right arm close to your body as you bring the club back.
For each exercise, alternate between one exercise stroke and one regular stroke.

Key Takeaways

Regaining your footing after the impact is pointless.

The front heel touches the ground before the left arm is parallel to the ground.

Lifting the front heel during the backswing is not a foul, especially for seniors.

Order of lowering: hips, then torso, then hands, then club.

The overhand shot often comes from a straight elbow that moves away from the body.

Do a set of exercises, then alternate between one exercise and one normal movement.

Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your weight on your back leg while going downhill, and don't move your weight to the front until the finish.
Lift your front heel while letting your knee move outward.
Think about each part of the sequence one after another during the swing.
Straighten up while going downhill, with your poles no longer pointing toward the ground.
Let your right elbow move forward and away from your body at the top of the swing.
Work on the downswing as a whole rather than on a specific sequence.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Choose the exercise that addresses your main weakness
A long set of practice, then alternating between practice and regular play
Practicing with chopsticks at home in front of a mirror
Left hand in the crook of the right elbow, even when chipping

Your Questions

When should the front heel touch the ground?

On the downswing, before your left arm is parallel to the ground. This is the timing cue that ensures you regain your footing before impact.

Isn't lifting your front heel as you rise considered a foul?

Not for the Ecole Golf instructor, especially if you lack hip mobility. He points out that Jack Nicklaus lifted that heel throughout his entire career.

How should the two sticks be positioned for the sequence exercise?

One goes through the belt loops and hangs down on the right side; the other is draped over the shoulders with the arms crossed. When going downhill, the one over the shoulders should go behind the one over the hips.

Why does the ball curve slightly to the right when you hold the club in the crook of your elbow?

Because the right arm stays close to the body and the club passes underneath the plane instead of coming back over it. It’s the opposite feeling from the “over-the-top” swing.

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 Alignment Rod and Swing Plane: The Complete ExerciseAn alignment rod extending from the club shaft, pointing toward a line of clubs on the ground at the halfway point of the backswing and downswing: a reference point for the plane, the path, and the wrists. Clubface at the Start of the Backswing: Keep It Looking at the BallAt the start of the backswing, the clubface should still be looking at the ball when your hands pass your back thigh; otherwise the swing gets too flat. Hitter vs. Thrower Swing: The Real DifferencesCompare the swing of someone who hits the ball with someone who throws it to the target: intent changes the setup, the move, the release and the finish; change the start and the end. Gabriel AngladeAll of his lessons

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