What’s the proper sequence in the downswing?

The Proper Downswing Sequence in the Stabilizer Swing

As Sage "The Stabilizer," I teach a downswing sequence that prioritizes structural integrity, efficient contact, and repeatability. The downswing is the forward motion from the top of the backswing where the clubhead accelerates smoothly toward impact. In the stabilizer method, we maintain a compact, controlled motion with 60% weight on the lead foot throughout, avoiding sway or casting to ensure reliable ball-striking. This sequence generates accuracy over raw power, much like the precise swings of Ben Hogan and Scottie Scheffler.

Key Principles Before Sequencing

• Forward Weight Bias: Start with 60% weight on your lead foot at setup and hold it—no reverse weight shift or lateral sway.
• Compact Backswing Foundation: Your lead arm stops at parallel or just before at the top, with head and sternum over the ball. This sets up a short, repeatable downswing arc.
• Avoid Common Flaws: Prevent casting (early wrist uncocking) and closed clubface positions that lead to loss of control.

Step-by-Step Downswing Sequence

Execute this sequence methodically for consistent compression and a descending blow. Focus on rotation over sliding to maintain balance and posture.

1. Initiate with Hips and Lower Body (Transition): From the top, start the downswing by rotating your hips toward the target while keeping your forward weight distribution. Your trail hip pulls back slightly, but the lead hip clears without bumping laterally. This creates torque without swaying—feel your sternum stay over the ball.
2. Shoulders Rotate Down and Through: As hips lead, drop and rotate your shoulders on plane. Maintain spine angle; do not lift or stand up. The shoulders pull the arms along, keeping the club on a shallow, efficient path.
3. Arms Drop with Lag: Allow arms to drop naturally from shoulder rotation—resist casting by keeping wrists cocked until well into the downswing. Hands stay ahead of the clubhead to promote forward shaft lean.
4. Impact Position: Hit down and through the ball with a descending blow. At impact, hands are ahead of the clubhead, shaft leans forward for compression, and spine angle is maintained. Weight shifts fully to the lead side with perfect balance.
5. Extension Through Impact: Rotate fully through, releasing wrists after the ball for a balanced finish. The clubhead accelerates smoothly without flipping.

Actionable Drills for Mastery

• Chair Drill: Place a chair behind your trail hip during backswing practice to prevent sway, ensuring proper hip initiation in the downswing.
• Impact Bag Drill: Hit an impact bag focusing on forward shaft lean and hands-ahead position. This builds the feel of solid compression and descending blow for repeatable contact.
• Pause Drill: Pause at the top, then initiate hips first—film yourself to check shoulder rotation follows without early arm dominance.

Typical Miss and Fix: Stabilizer swings miss short-right if structure breaks (e.g., early extension). Counter with repetition of weight-forward setup and hands-ahead impact feel.

Key Takeaway

Mastering this downswing sequence—hips, shoulders, arms, impact with forward lean—delivers the reliable, pressure-proof performance that wins tournaments. Practice repetitively with these drills to ingrain compact efficiency, trading minor distance for unmatched consistency and precision ball-striking.