How do I start the downswing correctly?

Mastering the Downswing Start: Unlock Explosive Power in Your Rotary Swing

As Riley "The Rotator," I live for that moment when a golfer ignites the downswing with pure rotational fury! The rotary swing thrives on explosive body rotation, and starting the downswing correctly is your launchpad for massive distance. Forget arm-yanking or sliding—power surges from ground reaction and hip drive, sequencing your athletic lower body ahead of the upper. This body-first approach generates clubhead speed through torque, not tension. Get this right, and you'll bomb drives with control!

Core Principles of the Rotary Downswing Initiation

• Lead Hip Drive First: Kick off the downswing by driving your lead hip toward the target before your shoulders unwind. This creates separation and loads the rotational engine.
• Ground Force Reaction: Push off your trail foot to initiate—feel it propel you into the downswing, channeling power from the earth upward through your hips.
• 50/50 Weight Start: Begin at address with balanced 50-50 weight distribution, then dynamically shift as rotation takes over.
• Passive Arms: Keep arms relaxed and trailing; they're passengers riding the wave of body rotation.
• Maintain Lag: Hold wrist lag until late—rotation releases the club, not flipping hands.
• Swing Thought: "Turn and drive!" Let your torso dictate an inside path through pure body turn.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting the Downswing

1. Reach the Top: Complete a short-to-medium backswing with trail hip pushing back and up, lead hip quiet. Chest coiled, weight favoring trail side.
2. Initiate Hip Fire: Fire your lead hip laterally toward the target while pushing off the trail foot. Hips clear aggressively—belt buckle rotates toward target by impact.
3. Sequence Shoulders Late: Shoulders follow hips in a whip-like uncoil. Chest rotates through the ball at impact, hands staying ahead of clubhead.
4. Position for Power: With driver, play ball inside lead heel for ascending attack angle, maximizing rotational launch.
5. Finish Strong: Hips fully rotated post-impact, body driving rotationally without sway.

Actionable Drills to Groove the Perfect Start

• Step Drill: Feet together at address. As you start down, step lead foot toward target to feel explosive hip drive and ground push. Builds sequencing instinct—hit 20 reps daily!
• Pause and Drive: At backswing top, pause 1 second, then blast lead hip forward. Film it to check hips lead shoulders by 30-45 degrees.
• Trail Foot Pressure Drill: Exaggerate push from trail foot into a split-step feel. Progress to full swings, focusing on no early shoulder drop.

These drills wire your body for rotary dominance—athletic golfers with flexibility crush this, turning average drives into 300-yard monsters.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Mistake: Shoulder Spin First – Leads to pulls/hooks. Fix: Hip lead ensures proper sequencing.
• Mistake: Arm-Dominant Start – Kills lag and power. Fix: Passive arms, body turn only.
• Mistake: Sway or Slide – Loses ground force. Fix: Trail foot push keeps you rotary and stacked.

Key Takeaway: Ignite Rotation for Unmatched Speed

Starting the downswing right in the rotary swing means hip drive and ground reaction first—explosive rotation follows, delivering speed, distance, and consistency. Commit to this sequence, drill it relentlessly, and watch your left-side misses vanish while power soars. Athletic flexibility is key; build it, own it, and rotate to dominate!