What’s the proper sequence in the downswing?

The Proper Downswing Sequence in the Lever Swing

In the lever swing, the downswing is a symphony of effortless flow, where power emerges from precise timing and a sweeping release rather than forceful rotation. Unlike body-driven swings, this method relies on the arms and wrists uncoiling naturally within a stable pivot, creating maximum arc speed through rhythm and feel. The sequence prioritizes letting gravity guide the club into the slot, followed by a full, timed release that brushes the ball away with smooth acceleration.

Key Principles Before the Sequence

• Long Backswing Foundation: Your sweeping backswing sets a wide arc—think John Daly's extended top position—for leverage without tension.
• Stable Pivot: Maintain spine angle throughout; the body provides a quiet platform for arm action.
• Tempo Mindset: Breathe into a 3:1 back-to-down ratio, feeling the club fall before it flies.

Step-by-Step Downswing Sequence

Visualize the downswing as a gentle wave cresting: drop, slot, release, extend. Here's the precise order for right-handed players:

1. Transition: Arms Drop with Gravity (0.1-0.2 seconds)
   

   Start by softening the arms at the top—let them fall naturally into the slot without bumping hips or yanking the handle. Feel the clubhead lagging behind, heavy and passive, as if dropping a towel from shoulder height. Avoid casting (early wrist uncocking), which steals power; instead, preserve wrist hinge for later speed.

2. Mid-Downswing: Club Falls into Slot (Shallow Path)
   

   The arms extend downward while the pivot stays centered—spine angle unchanged. Sense the club falling inside the line, toe up, without rushing. Hands stay ahead of the clubhead, forearms quiet, building lag through feel rather than grip pressure.

3. Release Initiation: Wrists and Forearms Uncoil (Approach to Impact)
   

   As the club nears the ball, allow hands and forearms to rotate naturally—don't resist face closure. Release fully by throwing the clubhead at the target, wrists uncocking sequentially. Right arm straightens aggressively through the ball for full extension, generating whip-like speed.

4. Impact: Sweep and Brush
   

   Clubhead brushes low grass post-impact, compressing the ball with a sweeping arc. Maintain flat left wrist, right arm firing straight, body stable—no early extension or standing up.

5. Follow-Through: Full Extension and Balance
   

   Arms extend fully left of target, club wrapping around the body in a high, balanced finish. Feel the effortless flow, like releasing a pendulum.

Essential Feels and Imagery

• Sweep the clubhead through impact like brushing dew off grass—low, wide, and free.
• Right arm: Imagine skipping a stone across water—straightening with snap, not shove.
• Tempo cue: Count "one... two-three" from top to impact for rhythmic lag and release.

Drills to Master the Sequence

1. Pump Drill: Swing to top, pause, drop arms halfway (gravity feel), pause again, then release through. Builds slotting without rush.
2. Feet-Together Drill: Hit half-swings feet together—promotes arm-dominated purity, eliminating lower-body interference.
3. Towel Drop: Hold club at top, drop arms only (no body turn), feel slot entry 10x before full swings.

Avoid These Misses: Watch for reverse weight shift (weight forward too soon) or closed clubface from over-rotation—both disrupt timing. Film your swing to confirm arms lead the dance.

Key Takeaway

The lever downswing sequence—drop, slot, release, extend—unlocks effortless power through feel and timing, turning rhythm players into artists of the arc. Practice patiently with these steps and drills to groove the flow, and your strikes will sing with consistency and beauty.