Are you among the multitude of golfers constantly fighting an out to in (over the top) swing path? You probably feel like you have heard and tried all types of tips, drills, and fixes, but you have not been able to overcome the nemesis of an over the top downswing. The first thing to remember when fighting this issue is that you are not the only one facing this battle. The second key is to remain positive and in the emotional words of Coach Jim Valvano, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!” After sixteen years of teaching golf full time, I have developed some helpful hints for my students to combat the out to in swing path. These suggestions are listed below and should be followed in the sequence they are listed in order to help you get the golf club in the slot on the downswing.

The cure for an over the top move begins with relaxation. This is not the end all, be all solution, but tension is absolutely the number one enemy when combating an out to in swing path. Proper breathing before and during the swing induces relaxation. You must also introduce a feeling of lightness in the arms and softness in the shoulders. A golfer must be consciously aware of the physical sensations in the arms and shoulders. As you approach the ball to execute your shot, you must become aware of the amount of tension in your body and do your best to relax.

Always lay an alignment club down whenever you hit balls to help establish the proper bodyline and aim of the clubface.

Next, it takes good alignment and proper aim to promote an on plane downswing path. Always lay an alignment club down whenever you hit balls to help establish the proper bodyline and aim of the clubface. Remember, only the clubface is aimed at your target in this mystical game. The body (feet, knees, hips, and shoulders) is aimed parallel left of the target, therefore, when you look at the target in your address posture, it must appear to be physically to the right of you. Over 90% of the golfing population aims to the right of the target because they are consciously trying to aim their body at the target. This misalignment will automatically cause an over the top swing path so correct your alignment and aim before working on the mechanics of your golf swing.

Finally, concentrate on where you focus your eyes and the feel of the swing. Your eyes give direction to the hands and the golf club will follow the lead of your hands. You must focus your eyes on the back inside quadrant of the golf ball at address. Do not look at the back of the ball! Next, stop trying to hit the ball straight. Always feel as though you are going to hit the ball to the right of the target if you are a right-handed golfer. In order to promote this move, you must have the sensation that your trailing shoulder stays back and goes down to start the downswing (See July 2007 Newsletter – Downswing Thoughts). If your shoulders are soft and your arms light, then you just need to tilt to start that downswing. Your shoulders provide direction to the arms so we must train the right shoulder to go down and never out to start the downswing.

Ted Frick
2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year
Owner / Director of Instruction
Classic Swing Golf School (Located at Legends Resort)
P.O. Box 50955 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-5560
1-800-827-2656
tfrick@classicswing.com
www.classicswing.com

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