Eric Cogorno on Starting the Downswing: The Quadrant System
For Eric Cogorno and JT Thomas, two movements at the start of the downswing determine the quality of the shot. Using a four-quadrant system marked on the ground, they demonstrate how to move the body to control the bottom of the swing, and then where to position the arms to swing from the inside.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
JT Thomas draws a line on the ground four quadrants, numbered clockwise. First movement: at the start of the downswing, the center of the body shifts toward the first quadrant, forward and down. This moves the lowest point of the arc forward and adjusts the contact: ball first, then the ground. Moving toward quadrant four would open the body too early and cause the club to come down more vertically, with a path to the left. Eric Cogorno describes the sensation: left shoulder down and forward, with pressure building early on the foot and front thigh.
Second movement: Keep your arms inside, in quadrant three, not in quadrant two, on the outside. According to them, most golfers need both sensations; only those who hook the ball need to learn to rotate more. Their diagnosis is simple: If you scratch or stumble, focus first on your body movement; if you pull or slice the ball, work on your arm position. You can also do this exercise with a club resting across your shoulders.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Mentally draw four quadrants around your position, numbered clockwise.
- With the club resting across your shoulders, take a full backswing.
- Begin the downswing by pushing the middle of your body toward quadrant one.
- Feel your left shoulder drop forward and the pressure increase on your front foot.
- Keep your shoulders slightly closed instead of opening up right away.
- Keep your arms inside, in quadrant three, at the start of the downswing.
- Hit a few balls while exaggerating your forward movement, even if it means hitting them a little off-center with thin shots.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Lean back on the downswing and strike the ball from behind.
- Moving forward but opening the body too early.
- Extend your arms outward, into quadrant two.
- Try to correct the path before adjusting the ignition.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Club repetitions across the shoulders, moving toward quadrant one
- Shots hit by leaning the body forward too much, checking the divot in front of the ball
- Arm work indoors once the contact has been adjusted
- A mark on the floor in front of the foot line to help position the arms
Your Questions
What is the quadrant system?
Four areas marked on the ground around the player, numbered clockwise. JT Thomas uses them to determine where his body and arms should be positioned at the start of the downswing.
Why move the body to Quadrant 1?
To bring the lowest point of the arc forward so that you hit the ball first and the ground second. Moving toward quadrant four would open your body too early and cause the ball to curve further to the left.
Where should your arms be at the start of the downswing?
Inside, in quadrant three. Hands already in quadrant two, on the outside, are throwing off-target shots and weak fade shots.
Where do you start if you're just winging it?
By shifting your body weight forward. Eric Cogorno and JT Thomas recommend focusing on the contact first—even if that means bumping a little at first—before working on your arm position.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Eric Cogorno). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.