What’s the proper sequence in the downswing?

The Proper Sequence in the Golf Downswing

The downswing is the critical phase of the golf swing where power, accuracy, and consistency are generated. Defined as the forward motion from the top of the backswing, it requires a precise sequence to ensure the clubhead accelerates smoothly through impact. This sequence follows a kinetic chain reaction starting from the ground up, led by the lower body, which pulls the upper body, arms, and finally the club into position. Mastering this order prevents common faults like slices, fat shots, or loss of power.

Core Principles of the Sequence

The downswing is body-driven, not arm- or hand-dominated. The lower body initiates to create torque and speed, while the arms remain relatively passive as passengers. This ground-up chain ensures lag (the angle between the club shaft and lead arm), which unleashes clubhead speed at impact.

Step-by-Step Sequence

1. Initiate from the Ground (Lower Body Trigger): Begin by shifting pressure forward into your lead foot while "squashing a grape" under your trail foot (right foot for right-handers). This creates upward force from the ground, firing the legs and hips first. Drive your lead hip toward the target line before your shoulders unwind.
2. Hips Lead the Rotation: Clear the hips aggressively to the left (for right-handers), rotating them open while maintaining forward weight. The hips should lead and pull the torso down, creating separation from the upper body.
3. Torso and Shoulders Follow: Rotate the torso and shoulders down and through in sync with the hips, keeping arms connected. Maintain stability by rotating shoulders down rather than across.
4. Arms Drop Passively: Let the arms drop naturally with gravity, led by the right elbow tucking close to the right hip (avoid the "chicken wing"). Do not throw the arms or hands from the top—keep them passive as the body pulls them.
5. Club Releases Last: The club lags behind, then whips through with a descending blow, hitting down and through the ball for compression and optimal launch.

Pro Insights and Key Feels

• Jack Nicklaus: Emphasizes the lower-body trigger—hips first, then torso, arms, club. Feel the swing as a coordinated chain powered by hip turn, with the right elbow leading and tucking.
• Scottie Scheffler: Lower body pulls the arms down; drive pressure into the lead foot for stability and power.
• Riley The Rotator: Lead hip drives toward the target early; arms stay passive in a body-driven motion.
• Lane The Lever: Arms drop with gravity before release for natural lag.
• Sage The Stabilizer: Maintain forward weight, rotate shoulders down, and deliver a descending blow through impact.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Arms or Hands First (Over-the-Top): Causes slices. Fix: Pause at the top and feel hips bump toward the target.
• Spinning Shoulders Early: Loses power. Fix: Focus on hip clearance while keeping shoulders closed longer.
• Chicken Wing Right Elbow: Leads to pushes or fats. Fix: Tuck elbow to hip on downswing.
• Hanging Back on Trail Side: Poor weight shift. Fix: Practice pressure transfer drills.

Practice Drills for Mastery

1. Pump Drill: From the top, perform three half-swings initiating with hips only—no full turn until the sequence feels natural.
2. Split-Hand Drill: Grip down with trail hand low on shaft; swing focusing on body lead to groove passive arms.
3. Step Drill: Step forward with lead foot on downswing initiation to force lower-body start.
4. Impact Bag Drill: Hit into a bag feeling descending blow and pressure into lead foot.

Key Takeaway: The proper downswing sequence—ground, hips, torso, arms, club—builds effortless power and consistency. Prioritize lower-body lead through daily drills, and film your swing to verify the chain. Internalize these pro-endorsed feels, and you'll compress the ball with authority, transforming your ball-striking.