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Downswing and TransitionRhythm and TempoSwing and Swing Plane All clubs Intermediate ⏱ 2 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Golf Swing Sequence: The Pause-at-the-Top Drill

Many amateurs reach the top of their swing and begin the downswing with their shoulders. Chris Mayson, an instructor at La Costa Resort and Spa, points out that top players work from the ground up. He describes the entire sequence and suggests a simple exercise: the “stop at the top.”.

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Chris Mayson
Chris Mayson · 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 · Intermediate10 minSame problemPressure on the inside of the lead foot in the downswingSimon Camirand · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

For Chris Mayson, the backswing sequence follows a logical pattern: The club has the longest way to go, so it moves first, with the left hand. The left arm follows, driving the left shoulder, back, hip, thigh, and knee upward through the swing.

The downswing takes place in exactly the reverse order, starting from the ground: the weight shifts to the left foot; the left knee moves and pulls the thigh, hip, back, shoulder, and arm, and The club comes in last. To learn this, he suggests moving to the top of the swing, coming to a complete stop, pressing down under your left foot as if to squeeze a sponge, and letting the club fall under the force of gravity.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Initiate the upward motion with the club and your left hand, letting your left arm lead your shoulder.
  2. Let your left shoulder pull your left back, hip, thigh, and knee upward.
  3. Come to a complete stop at the top of your swing.
  4. Press down on the left foot as if you were squeezing a sponge.
  5. Let the club fall naturally without pushing it with your shoulders.
  6. Repeat the exercise, then follow it up with a full swing while maintaining that feeling.

Key Takeaways

Beginners often start the downswing by using their shoulders.
On the upstroke, the club moves first, followed by the left arm, shoulder, hip, and knee.
On the downswing, the order is reversed and starts from the ground, with the left foot.
The club is the last piece to come down.
The "stop at the top of the swing" exercise teaches this sequence.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Start the downswing with your shoulders.
  • Get the club moving last during the backswing.
  • Push the club downward instead of letting it drop after making contact with the ground.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Swing with a full stop at the top
  2. Weight on the left foot, club drops on its own
  3. Alternate between a stopped swing and a continuous swing

Your Questions

Why does the club make the first move when it's promoted?

Chris Mayson explains that this is the part that has the farthest to go. So he starts with his left hand and uses it to lead the rest of his body.

Where does the downswing begin?

Through the ground: the weight shifts to the left foot, then to the left knee, thigh, hip, back, shoulder, and arm. The club comes last.

How do you do the "Stop at the Top" exercise?

Swing up to the top, stop completely, press down under your left foot as if on a sponge, and let the club fall under the force of gravity.

Learn More

All “Downhill and Transition” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Rhythm and Tempo” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Swing and Swing Plane” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Adam Scott's Swing: Simple Rhythm, Fade, and DrawAdam Scott checks everything before taking his swing, focuses on a single rhythm, and produces a fade or a draw either by intention or simply by shifting his body. Golf Tempo: The Pause-at-the-Top DrillThree tempo drills for the "club snatch" and the "over-the-top" swing: feet together, a true pause at the top of the backswing, and starting the swing as if pushing a water bottle. Same speed on the upswing and downswing: slow down your swingMove up and down at what feels like the same speed, then hold the finish position for three seconds: an imbalance at the finish indicates that your body is moving too fast. Chris MaysonAll of his lessons

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

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