The Best Free Golf Video Lessons565 Free Golf Lessons from the Best ProsOver 120,000,000 views
565 lessons from professionals, selected and summarizedOver 120,000,000 views across all videos
Downswing and Transition Irons Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 14 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Pump Exercise for the Swing Transition

Eric Cogorno compares two moments in the swing: the left arm horizontal on the upswing, then on the downswing. Between the two, three things change for good players. He suggests a “push-up” exercise for each.

▶
Eric Cogorno
Eric Cogorno · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

7 minSame problemA Stretch Feeling at the Start of the DownswingPadraig Harrington · Intermediate / Expert12 minSame problemStart the Downswing with Your Legs: Unscrew the LidDanny Maude · Intermediate14 minFrom the same proThe Bucket Exercise to Prevent Shanks: The Imaginary WallEric Cogorno · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Eric Cogorno invites you to compare the swings of the players you like, left arm horizontal on the way up and then on the way down. Three differences stand out. One: the pressure shifts to the front foot; he feels the weight shift from about 50/50 to 70/30 on his right foot halfway up the hill, then to 60/40 on his left foot halfway down. Two: the knees and the torso bend again as the body opens up. Three: the left arm flattens out, with a slight pronation, and the The left wrist maintains or increases its flexion, without overthinking it.

Each shot has its own “pump” drill. You raise the club to the halfway point of the backswing, then pump two or three times before striking the ball: first with the foot pressure forward, without letting the left hip drift; then in while reflecting and turning, arms motionless; finally, with a plastic hanger secured to the grip, pressed against the left wrist, with pressure increased as soon as the downswing begins. Expected result: a firmer contact and greater ball speed.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Film yourself or compare reference swings, keeping your left arm horizontal on the upswing and downswing.
  2. Swing back during the backswing halfway and feel about 70% of the weight on your right foot.
  3. Pump two or three times, directing the pressure toward your front foot without shifting your left hip forward, then strike.
  4. Try it again, bending your knees and bending forward as you turn, keeping your arms still.
  5. Attach a plastic hanger to the side of the grip, against your left wrist.
  6. At the midpoint of your backswing, pump by increasing the pressure of your wrist against the handlebars, then take a half-swing.
  7. Perform the three movements in sequence using a normal swing.

Key Takeaways

Compare the position of the left arm when going up and when going down.
The pressure shifts toward the front foot at the start of the downswing.
The knees and torso bend again as the body opens up.
The left arm straightens out, with a slight pronation.
The left wrist maintains or increases its flexion; it does not arch.
The arms do not move during push-ups.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Pull your arms down while doing push-ups.
  • Let your left hip move toward the target instead of shifting your weight.
  • Turn while keeping your weight on your right foot.
  • Bend your left wrist as you begin the downswing.
  • Wanting to set a specific angle of knee flexion.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Pressure in the feet
  2. “Reflexion and rotation” pumps, stationary arms
  3. Hanger against the left wrist
  4. A mirror or a video to check yourself

Your Questions

What pressure distribution should you aim for during the transition?

Eric Cogorno describes his feel for it: about 50/50 at address, 70/30 on the right foot halfway up the hill, then 60/40 on the left foot halfway down. These are rough guidelines, not exact measurements.

What does “re-reflect while turning” mean?

At the start of the downswing, the knees bend a little more and the torso moves closer to the ground as the body opens up. He emphasizes: you don't do this while staying on your right side.

What is a plastic hanger used for?

Attached to the side of the grip and resting against the left wrist, it lets you feel the pressure that needs to increase as soon as the downswing begins, to prevent the wrist from bending inward.

How many push-ups before you can punch?

Two or three swings at the mid-backswing point, then hit the ball with the same feel, starting with a half-swing.

Learn More

All “Downhill and Transition” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Eric CogornoAll of his lessons

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

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros