How to Start the Golf Downswing Correctly

[@dickaguilar]

Dear Mr. Ballard, you fixed my game with your instructional videos! In behalf of millions of struggling golfers i would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts! God bless you!

[@paulk1696]

Best instruction on KZbin by 330 yards! Thank you very much Clay!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Wow, thanks!

[@michelguenette4458]

Thank you very much for this video and explanations. You make it easier to understand the important points of the swing.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LabradoodleTofuBoy]

Clay, you're amazing. Whenever I click your channel, you always show me what I'm working on. It's like you read my mine. Thank you!!!! The other day, I totally crushed it on the driving range thanks to you. For a woman, I crushed it consistently crazy high & straight. Today, I lost it lol. Think my twist is off a tad

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Keep up the hard work! Thanks for watching 👍

[@jeffreyyoungblood7438]

My God the information in this video is absolutely gold. Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bob-nu3xe]

Clay as you suggest at 4:02 the body weight/ rotation LEADS the hands/ arms and finally club round your body so when the swing is completed you should be upright facing the target when the club head finally comes to rest , just a point on working the ball draw or fade, the swing plane and club face angels are" feel" the adjustment's made are relatively small ie: your playing partners wouldn't notice only the result!! great video

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Bob!

[@ericfraser6094]

Best video on weight shift, rotation and body dynamic. Complicated yes, but that's what you need. Great effort on the instructor.

[@AntonioGranjo]

Best golf instruction channel on KZbin.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Antonio!

[@jedorf]

This is the best explanation I have ever seen. Thank you!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You're very welcome!

[@brianpuffer7380]

Clay.. thanks for the lesson. I love how you split screen with the slow motion shot of how this weight shift should occur. It is remarkably helpful to me when on the range. I tend to lose sync in my transition from back to down swing and this has help me to get that 'feel' back when it happens. I'm looking forward to your other videos. Great job!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Brian! Our video guy does a great job setting this up. Glad you found it useful. Hope you're playing great! ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@stephenclements9748]

I love the step drill!! I wish I would of seen this video 10 years ago. thanks guys!!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@blackedmirror5073]

Well that’s it! You are my KZbin coach. I finally learned how to hammer that nail through the ball. 💣 🔨 ⛳️

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great to hear!

[@blackedmirror5073]

Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard Thank you!

[@ScottyHolmes57]

Best explanation of the golf downswing ever ! Thanks Clay !

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Scotty!

[@waltergreen7382]

interesting points ,if anyone else wants to learn about ways to improve posture try Magonsi Amazing Golf Expert (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my neighbor got cool success with it.

[@cccantrell27]

Tried the step drill. Works like a champ. Gotta lot of work to do but this helps a lot! Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi C C, thanks for sharing. I agree, it's the best drill out there to get the proper feeling of sequencing and weight shift in the downswing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@starflash08]

Clay you are the best, the down and up motion of the body has completely transformed my swing, I have never hit the ball like this before, my balance is perfect thanks to you dude.

[@katochamit]

The best video and a must see for all the budding Golfers.

[@poh1617]

I have been looking for the trigger for the down swing for years. Where does the down swing actually start. And now I know, it's the left foot. Clay, you are a an absolute pro. I have never had the details explained so clearly to me. "You are breathtaking."

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Chris!

[@alancarlyon3928]

Hi Clay, happy new year to you and your team! Been a while since I tuned into your channel, but now after 5 months of never have played a game of golf due to a domestic with a family member who is now on the mend! But now things are on the mend, I just wanted to thank you for the golf tips you had given me and others over the years! So with over five months not golfing I spent more time on my laptop and came across a video of Moe Norman, am sure you have heard of him, if not check him out volume 3 of 6. I practiced his swing and played my first game of golf using his swing (well close to it) Amazing results! Now I see so many other golf teachers on the net using Moe's swing and set up, This could be another road for you to go down which you could give to even old timers like me and get you away from your norm! Good luck Clay and thanks once again for being there!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TheNatnab]

alan carlyon This is glorious, I been trying to find out about "keep back to target on the downswing" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (do a google search ) ? It is an awesome exclusive product for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method without the normal expense. I've heard some incredible things about it and my friend got amazing success with it.

[@Antonio-cb4pn]

best video for clearing hips so far

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Christopher-xn6rb]

Clay, still one of best golf instructors in all of KZbin. Keep up the excellent work...!!!

[@drbwhunt]

If you want great instruction on You Tube then go to Darrell Klassen, fantastic stuff.

[@EmilioYepez]

Excellent, I sincerely thank you so much - the path on the way down is key to striking and hitting straight

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@DavidM_GA]

Best description of the weight shift and when it happens I have heard. Wish I had heard this years ago. Thanks Mr Ballard.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks David!

[@JamesPSure]

Thanks clay. You really turned my game around. Watching your videos has been so helpful. I’ve always analysed my swing technically and finally found someone like you who can really go into detail about the swing, 🙏🙏🙏

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@flipgentry3862]

The step drill is a great one. I do it while I am playing if my sequence gets off. A natural move.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@robertpage4991]

Great instruction, Clay. Some pros overcomplicate the mechanics, but yours is a perfect balance with wonderful visualization. A 66-year-old Australian fan.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Robert!

[@MrAllansaxlund]

The step drill is really great for finding transition and rhythm. At first a bit tricky but the it was good fun doing it. Tried it on my first driving range session of the year. Will keep this drill in the bag for long. From Allan in cold Sweden.

[@johanrejeep]

This gave me roughly 5-8mph extra club head speed with the driver according to Swing Caddie 2. My max has previously been 113, but I quite easily got it up to 119 doing this move. Great stuff as always Clay!

[@masonkim7]

best video on down-swinging on KZbin

[@icepick3390]

Amazing videos! Ive gone from shooting high 90s low 100s to mid 80s to low 90s because of these tutorials keep it up

[@BigL3bowsky]

Great video! Have been struggling with this for a wile now. Going to try it on the range tomorrow, thank you!

[@Tateclipz2011]

Great video. My arms are always ahead of my lower body. Will give this a shot, TY!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Best of luck!

[@seanr521]

Some interesting ideas. You explain things well man. Thanks.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@greymullinscommercialprope7157]

clay helps me fix my game every vid

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Grey!

[@lylrys]

Thank you for this vid! Ive always had trouble casting and flipping and I think its due to not shifting weight halfway through my backswing. I always shifted at the top which left my back heel still on the ground at impact. Thanks again Clay for another great vid!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Lyle! Glad you liked the video. Play well! ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@dilligaf24824]

Greetings from Vienna, Austria! Fantastic content and please keep them coming.

[@wendog8234]

Just great. This is the best explanation ive seen so far.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@burnoutclips]

wow thank you. i tried this today and it helped.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Great to hear!

[@jeffmiller1387]

Great explanation of the weight shift and body movement in the downswing!

[@VokeyDawg1]

I like the way you break it down from a fundamental standpoint a la baseball legend Kent Murphy.

[@Trellspr88]

Wow...! Really great detail, Clay....! Thank you....!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Cartrell!

[@松田もしくろす]

Exactly what is needed! Just one thing. Some coaches talk about bringing the right knee into the back of the left knee. From your video it doesn’t appear that you worry about this at all. For me, that’s pretty nice cause it makes things easier and I want to learn a good consistent swing and I don’t want to worry about adding other components until later. So my question is: is there a time and place for this knee thing?

[@drashoksharma4250]

First time I have learnt well , Thanks Clay

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@Markiiimark]

Such a quality visual tutorial!

[@쿨제이-g4g]

This is an excellent instruction. I could reduce the fat shot during all kinds of shots even approach shots.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@oneworld2642]

Excellent golf teacher 👍💕

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@ngkm2]

Slow motion split screen is a big help. Thank you

[@vj19xrk9]

excellent vid, clay

[@golfraven5669]

Good tip with the power turn. I struggle with the down swing so will certainly practice this a lot

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Golf Raven!

[@Misnjef]

Excellent instruction as usual Clay 👍

[@wbark99]

Great details and made it easy to understand sequence order.

[@tomwolfe1594]

Thank you! Awesome video!!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Tom!

[@hazlias]

Thanks Clay. I can’t wait to try this. This should remedy my transition coordination issues.

[@iwatchvids520]

Wow seriously eye opening. Great job at making it so understandable!

[@santiagodeponce9390]

Another great vid

[@pakgolf4azem682]

Always do a great job. Enjoy watching videos. Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@howtoonyoursubaruvehicle2687]

Good stuff. Definitely need a lot of practice to get his timing and positioning

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@DMHLCenas]

you're the man, video helped already

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Alex!

[@DMHLCenas]

At 4:54 you say exactly what I do in that I tend to flip at the end. Perhaps i'm not starting my backswing early enough. In another video you say the key to start the downswing is 1. shallow out, 2. rotate left hip. Would I shallow the club as my weight is moving back in the other direction then? Thanks!

[@DASH1ful]

i agree that the weight has to go with the flow of the club in the back-swing- and that is one thing that the teaching profession has failed to comprehend. one feature of this dynamic is that the angle of the right leg has to increase as the weight moves towards the left side in the second half of the back-swing. if the flex of the right leg increases the angle of right leg will not increase and the leg, in effect, will be holding the weight on the right side, which will restrict the back-swing. the momentum of the swing moves to the left as the club moves to the left side of the hands in the back-swing. and if the knee is squatting down it will hold the weight on the right side and restrict the movement of the back-swing when the club moves to the left side of the hands. any increase of the right knee flex, in the back-swing, will, also, prevent the lower part of the spine and the core from being able to turn freely- if we keep both feet on the ground. this means that the upper part of the spine is doing all the work; which will mean that the upper part of the spine is twisting against the lower part of the spine. the least effective part of the video, for me, is the rotation drill, that you demonstrate, in which you jump to the right. if, alternatively, you consider the movement of a soccer player when they turn to move to their right. they, obviously, don't jump in the air to move to the right. and, the fact that they don't do that tells us that we can move to the right without jumping in the air. but this then begs the question: how would a soccer player turn to the right? the answer is simple. And, one thing is for certain they don't turn by trying to turn their upper body- as many golf teachers tell us to do- they would fall over if they did.

[@jimpa2233]

-So gooood, thanks King!

[@gsix1000]

Thank you Clay

[@sifuheiko]

Best Teacher

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Master Fu!

[@Carol-bg7yi]

Great video. Thanks Clay.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Carol!

[@flipgentry3862]

Do you have a video on hand path? I understand that mass will follow the force (hands), but where are the hands going. Towards the ball , toward the straight line release or out to first base (right hand golfer)? Do the hands move around to the left? Lot of questions I know. Thanks for your help.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

I don't think we have a video that talks about it in the way that would answer all these questions. The main thing to understand is that the most important thing is what the club is doing and not necessarily what the hands are doing. You can have a "perfect" hand path and the club can be in a terrible position and you can have a terrible hand path and the club could be in a perfect position. A more vertical hand path in the backswing is best for distance (think Bubba Watson) but it can be difficult for people to get the club to shallow out from there. Too flat of a hand path can lead to an over the top but not always (think JB Holmes). The main thing in the downswing is to not get the hands too far behind you. It's really tough to hit the ball from there. The more your hands are more out in front of you, the more you have to shallow the club. You can have your hands in all kinds of positions as long as the club is where it needs to be. My best recommendation would be to look at a Tour players swing who most resembles your swing and mimic what they do. I would also look at several swings just to see if you can see the differences like I referenced with Bubba and JB. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@tomdotson6053]

Omg get to it

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hey Tom, sorry it took so long. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@seniorgolfer]

On the downswing, as you are rotating your hips and lifting your trail heel off the ground, where is your trail knee pointing--toward the ball, toward the target, or inbetween?

[@TangoDownProduction]

All my years of playing golf, I've never had a coach talk to me about weight shift or how my feet play a huge role in power and ball strike.

[@roberthaar]

Could you describe how you pressure the handle of the club with each hand at the top of the back swing and during transition. Please describe what you do with the right elbow during the downswing. Thank You.

[@julianares3065]

Simple and great video!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@edwarddeaton2539]

Julián Are

[@vihoang8805]

When you come down from the downswing, is it true that the first thing you do in the sequence is to shift your body weight to your other foot, then after it the hip then the hand?

[@peterthegreatful]

hi clay, i watch all your videos over and over, i was thinking of a downswing sequence as follows, plant left heel, spin the torso, fire right shoulder, throw club with arms to target, twist grip to close clubface, does this sound ok to you, thanks!

[@markheselden438]

Clay I get the point about making the weight turn before the end of the back swing. So my question is how does Matsu???? do it?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

You can see Hideki shift to the lead side before starting his downswing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bquWnpiknZKnqpY Play well! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@deal1619]

Thank you for this video. Is this transition exactly the same as Tennis forehand? Only issue is . How can I fully rotate my backswing if i shift weight forward halfway through my backswing? Am I not supposed to fully maximise my shoulder rotation?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

The transition is similar to a tennis forehand. You start shifting your weight back to the lead foot so that your balance is about even by the time you reach the top of the backswing. If you're a clock then the transfer starts back to the lead side around when the club reaches the 10 o'clock position. This shouldn't restrict or shorten the backswing if done correctly. Here is a video with an animated swing that illustrates this well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mF7PkGdjpd-FfKs Best of luck! Nate | TSG Instructor

[@deal1619]

@@TopSpeedGolf Thank you very much , much appreciated

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@JohnMarchionifinalpick]

Thanks I need to hear all of it I want to know haw the hands turn at the bottom to square up the club to make a great shot flush the ions

[@charlieclark592]

fantastic vidio

[@wjyavelak]

What are your thoughts on the Gravity Golf concept of a 'counter-fall', a feeling of the center of mass falling in a vector over the left shoulder as a balance to the arms and club pulling the center of mass toward and a bit right of the ball on the downswing? The idea is that this 'fall' balances the pull of the arms and club, and the "fall" off vertical permits an easier rotation of the body just like it is easier to turn a heavy oil drum if it is tilted off its axis. The contention is that if you do not naturally or intentionally do this 'off vertical' fall, then something (feet, or hips or shoulders or arms) have to tense up coming down to prevent the fall toward the ball -- this changes the plane (generally, above the plane or over the top.) I suspect this is dealt with (intentionally or not) by your suggestion of moving the weight toward the left heel .

[@AGCampagna]

I am a member of TSG and have a question: On the downswing, is the left instep the landing point? If so, do you rotate in "Front" of the instep or what I call the column? Then ultimately rotate to the outer left ankle?

[@tray5765]

Great video!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@packycheung6209]

Brilliant video.

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Packy!

[@shanero1276]

Hey Clay, really enjoy your videos and how helpful they are. Could you do this drill with a driver and fairway wood? Thanks

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Shane, yeah, this applies to all clubs when making a full swing. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@partrader]

Great video! what editing software is that? the graphics are so cool and really help:)

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks! We use Adobe Premiere and have an awesome video guy. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@FairwayJack]

good stuff

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Fairway Jack!

[@bdyt]

Arms in the downswing? Feel a push/pressure away from the body to maintain width? I thought your arrow for video showing an arch away from body would talk about this, a question I've had.

[@AlterEgoTrader]

Hi clay do you have a pulling down feeling with your arm's also with your downswing? Or is it all body driven?

[@TonyHammer61]

Great explanation. I suffer with the sequencing of the transition from the top of the backswing

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@rogerrabbit2902]

Same. I'm so rigid when turning my hips during backswing. This video helps

[@joeaquaro5160]

Watched the video did the drill and started pounding it. Came back the next day and it somehow turned into a shank. Think I may of turned it into a slide. Any advice on how to better rotation?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Joe, we have many videos on this on the channel. Just search "rotation" on our channel to find many possibilities. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@ko9306]

So how do I start the downswing..? Is hit dropping down, rotate or shift my weight..thanks

[@JYN_Star_News]

Your guide is very nice

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks!

[@carmm2742]

thanks Clay, this helps a bunch, big issue for me. btw, what grips do you use?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Thanks Carm. I use Ping ID8. Best grips ever, in my opinion!

[@richj9182]

Why do I always push fade when I do this. Great contact just push fading. My club path is on plane, fairly neutral club path. Is it a wrist thing?

[@drbwhunt]

In less than a minute the great golfer,Tommy Armour, can give you a lesson that will make golf a happy game for you. “ Hold the club firmly with the last three fingers of the left hand, let the left arm and hand act as a guide and whack the hell out of the ball with the right hand.” “ On the long shots,hit the ball with the right hand just as hard as you can while keeping the body steady.”

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Brian, thanks for sharing. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@joenavejas3304]

What would be the downside of taking the step drill into the golf course as your swing, besides maybe looking ridiculous?

[@MrSkippadoo]

Hi Clay, I like this video a lot, but I have a question about the concept of getting the hips moving ‘off the bat’. Doesn’t this contradict some of the Powerturn videos on the website where you want to feel the obliques stretching against your bottom half not moving in the takeaway? Just curious as it’s an area I really struggle with.

[@stevesmith3890]

I have the same question. I thought the hips were not supposed to turn much in the backswing (X-factor).

[@ericfraser6094]

Great details. But, if you don't move your sternum in one piece takeaway...you'll never load in your right and then get to your left. You must bring your chest not just your "weight".

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Eric, I agree. Thanks for the comment. Hope you're playing great! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@jancenj2218]

Is it the same downswing for irons and driver?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yes

[@AUClay]

Did you used to work at Shalimar Point in NW Florida?

[@knackers2773]

HI clay, on the downswing do you drop your right elbow/ arms back into place just after you shifted weight to the left but before hip rotation ?. Trying to get the the feel i currently been dropping the arms back into place when/nearly the same time as my lead heel returns to the ground(shifted weight)

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Nack, the sequence would be after the hips start rotating. You want the hips to lead the way. Play well! Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@ufukgoksu9851]

If I may ask you: How consistent is your ball contact when you let your arms go down? I rotate my left hip first and almost at the same time, I let my arms drop. Usually I get a great soft contact. At the same time, it is also timing matter I think.

[@ufukgoksu9851]

@@TopSpeedGolf Hi, do we need to drop the arms slightly down, if I could move my hips really well before arms in transition? In my case, it is still sometimes arm swing even the hips move. So, I think dropping the arms has helped me as soon as my left hip rotated in downswing. It has shallowed my swing and there is soft contact, but I feel like It comes down to timing. What is your opinion? Thank you

[@charlesalan5999]

I was all discombobulated 😕 Thanks for helping me re-combobulate my swing!

[@TopSpeedGolf]

My pleasure!

[@briangraham1725]

My problem is that I’m extending too soon. I’m raising up, almost like a “V” instead of an elongated “U”. I can feel me doing it but I can’t seem to fix it. Suggestions?

[@Mpuln]

Does the right to left weight shift apply to the driver too

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Yessir!

[@jhoncanole2979]

Cheers for this, I have been researching "golf swing drop arms into slot" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Penamillorn Peerless Prevalence - (do a google search ) ? It is an awesome exclusive product for discovering how to learn an effective golf swing method minus the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my brother in law got great results with it.

[@rogerscheuermann4409]

I like the video but I am having problems with shallowing my hands and bowing wrist to drop the club in the slot. I seem to be casting the club with my right hand. Any ideas or solutions or specific videos to watch?

[@TopSpeedGolf]

Hi Roger, I would recommend the Top Speed Lag section from the website. Here is the link if you want to check it out: topspeedgolf.com/courses/top-speed-lag/. Play well! ~ Quentin | TSG Instructor

[@josephshawa]

I think you could get an extra 50 yards if you just start your cast a little bit earlier and attempt to accelerate to the imaginary ball about an hour or two prior the real one. Then you have to really turn your shoulderS fast to get them completely rotated by impact instead of partially rotated at the impact.