All together now

By T.J. Tomasi

Many golfers make a practice swing in which they shift their weight to the front leg at the same time they drop their arms to start the downswing. It’s a move I callthe smallest most important movein golf.

Because there is no ball in this practice swing, there is no hit instinct, so the forward swing of the arms helps to shift the weight simultaneously in a drop/shift motion. This is one of golf’s non-negotiables, and every good player does it.

But when the ball is there, things change. The arms move first, independent of the weight transfer. And with a head start toward impact, the arms beat the weight transfer, leaving a weak, slapping action in their wake.

What to do? Here is a drill that will help get things started down together from the top of your swing.

Looking in a mirror, swing to the top, then stop and pose. Check out your arms and feel the weight in your trail hip socket. Then shift your weight to your front side and drop your arms simultaneously. Stop when your lead arm points down your back leg and check that out. You should be able to lift your back foot off the ground. Use a 5-iron and a ball when you do this, but don’t actually hit the ball.

Do this 60 times a day for three weeks and you will deposit the move in your motor memory.