The Squat Move Simplified | How To Start The Downswing

[@Thegooob95]

I really like this for transition, Im seeing it everywhere. there has been so much confusion for lower body movement, understanding it as a sit from the top of transition immediately paired with rotation just makes sense. The sit energizes the club and the rotation brings in on plane.

[@CogornoGolf]

Yes!!

[@Thegooob95]

@@CogornoGolf One question, I was thinking of the ways to screw this up and my ideas are 2 part: 1. Not rotating after the sit will cause early release 2. Those used to OTT like me will have to be sure to get the right elbow infront of the trail hip. even if one rotates, if they dont allow the trail elbow to get into position they would still come over the top despite proper lower body movement?

[@persoderblom8239]

I’ve always enjoyed your videos where ”feel” is a key word, and this one is no exception! I went to the range and really focused on my belt buckle, and voilá! All of a sudden the start of my downswing comes so natural and I have no problems compressing the ball. I can’t understand why I haven’t heard this parable before. Thanks a million!!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love to hear this!! Our pleasure!

[@dseveno8254]

Just had a lesson on squatting into the transition and wanted to follow up with some KZbin instruction. Of course my man Eric is the first video I find lol. Great stuff man.

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Thanks!

[@mykel714]

I've practiced this move alot at home. For muscle memory. (My course here in Florida gets 2 inches of rain overnight ) Today was my 1st chance to play ! And after 3 holes my fear left and my practice paid off ! Golf is fun again !!!!!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it!!

[@scaretactictales5895]

I just realized last week that this is why I’ve been hitting the ball so high for 10 years. I stood straight up at impact. Was only worried about my swing path. Really wish I understood this years ago. Thanks for the vid

[@CogornoGolf]

Our pleasure! Hope it serves you well!

[@2cardarsenal310]

Excellent example of using the belt buckle focus to envision the proper "Squat to Square" in transition. I almost feel like I start the squat before my backswing is completed. Makes a complete smooth transition with weight shift to firm left side.

[@CogornoGolf]

100%

[@joannecho4726]

I NEVER comment but, I literally spent ten minutes finding this video so I can comment. This belt buckle/squat concept REALLY helped me today at the range. Obviously I’m going to have to continue and practice more but wow, my ball to club contact just by focus on getting the belt buckle to face downward helped me so much. I’ve been slicing with my toe because of my hip opening and turning towards the target but this visualization really helps with keeping my body lower and hips closed a little longer in my down swing! Thanks Eric!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love to hear that Joanne! Appreciate you being here with us!

[@johnherman3261]

Well done my friend. Truth is this move allows you to get the club in the slot and your front hip to open to allow the follow through. Important step no doubt. I have to laugh about the belly button. Great reference point for those who can still can see theirs. Mine seems to point downward all of the time🤣. You’re the best my friend.

[@CogornoGolf]

Lol! Thanks, John! All bellies not created equal

[@TwitchingLima]

Just seeing this video. I knew not to hit from the top and to let the arms drop, but early hip rotation was a killer. In order to slot, you must have hip depth so there's plenty of room. The squat move equals the perfect slot position. The down and through belt buckle thought is the perfect way to achieve more power and sold contact. Good job, Eric!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it---appreciate it!

[@JK-ks3xq]

Helps you clear easier and hold your angles better too!

[@CogornoGolf]

Yes!

[@nohandledude]

Thank you Eric! I was finally able to execute this squat move during my practice session today. I found that I had to keep my weight centered over my hips and that I make a full turn into my rear leg. I feel a slight pause at the top of my backswing and make a conscious effort to squat by increasing the angle of my upper thighs. Anyway, the improvement in club head speed and swing path is amazing.

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it

[@ponchrose]

Great demonstration of squatting drill without exaggerating movement.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for watching!!

[@oliverobrien1765]

Awesome ‘ not seen this before ‘ belt buckle down ‘ Eric yet again so impressive

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks Oliver! Hope it helps!

[@rjroth4869]

The belt buckle down image is exactly what I needed to fight my early extension/losing the tush line tendency. Goodbye FAT shots! Fantastic - thanks!!

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Thanks so much for watching, RJ!

[@icedawg35]

I wish I made more use of your cogorno golf membership.. had it for a few months but never submitted videos of my swings.. I may come back later though. But for now, these videos definitely suffice!

[@CogornoGolf]

We will be there if you ever want to come back and post! Appreciate you being here and the support--hope you are enjoying your golf!

[@jamesstevens739]

The holy grail of the downswing 🙌💪

[@CogornoGolf]

big part!

[@martinhardman9288]

Tremendous. Been searching for a feeling for the squat all winter and this is it!

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope it helps, Martin!

[@woncameron24]

Belt buckle feel is amazing. Better than “squat” which is what brought me to this video.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope it helps your game!

[@adamnielsen6554]

Best golf vids I have seen!

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks Adam!

[@adriancross1218]

Great lesson Eric! I've been working on the transition for a while now and your video confirms I'm practicing the right moves. Thanks 👍

[@CogornoGolf]

You got it, Adrian!

[@jeffdugan2846]

Love the feel of lower to the ground and towards the Target.

[@CogornoGolf]

Me too :)

[@jamespark3399]

Great explanation. My ball striking is improving. Obviously not as good as your demonstration but not bad for me👍😊

[@CogornoGolf]

:) Love to hear this, James!

[@RGJACOBSON]

Gonna spend a practice on this. Belt bucket below the ball in thr downswing. Will do some 50yd 7 irons at 10-20% and see!

[@CogornoGolf]

Yes!

[@johnhue8933]

Eric, In your opinion is going to a good squat motion from an early extension habit the most difficult change to make happen? The change in pattern has a huge influence in changing the hand path which is difficult to get your head round and requires a totally different right arm action as you are more bent over at impact. That is a lot to negotiate your way through and get your head round when the old habits are deep.

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey John! I would say yes, early extension is generally one of the tougher patterns to change...generally because it actually helps you. Lots of times we have early extension BECAUSE our body is doing it to fix an earlier fault (steep shaft, open face ,etc) SO when you brain does something to try and HELP you and you say NO....it's fighting itself. Best to find out WHY you EE. Fix that first/in combination with drills like these.

[@jeffkiziah112]

Hey EG! One of your best yet! What would be a good feel to use lime you are using your feet properly? I almost feel like my front knee is moving away or opening instead of pushing down on weight transfer! I hope that makes sense?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Jeff! Thanks! Here is more that might helps on lead leg/feet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6CxZZ-iqLeKrNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/monVhYaNraydjpY kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-ZZYOdjM2Wl5o

[@mamst58]

Hi Eric, Can you touch on how long you feel this squat move for? Do you feel like you're doing this all the way into impact or is it just in transition and then you begin extension prior to impact. I get stuck on how long I should feel this squat motion for. Thanks.

[@CogornoGolf]

For about the first 1/2 of the downswing only And you need to be turning and tilting as you do it

[@rudolphvaneden2085]

Hi Eric, good video thanks, so I can use this move in starting the downswing, but for how long in the downswing? I also understand you still have to extend later and belt point to 11 o clock. Is it just a transition move? Think i am overdoing it and timing way off. Thanks

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Rudolph! Great questions...I was going to include that in this video but decided to just focus on this. You would feel this motion right away in transition until about arms parallel in downswing (give or take a bit earlier or later) then would feel the pushing belt buckle to 11 (extension) From the time the shaft is last parallel to the ground is when the push to 11 is really happening the most

[@rudolphvaneden2085]

@@CogornoGolf Thank you Eric, this helps

[@3253222]

Great video again! Can this move be done before the end of the backswing?

[@CogornoGolf]

Good question....I would generally have a player FEEL this as a starting down motion but things starting to happen in the feet and pelvis before the end of the backswing for sure. The risk of doing it TOO soon would be not getting the full backswing turn mainly

[@carlor.s.4742]

For early extenders(like me) this squat & jump move is critical. I have been practicing it all winter inside with a 3/4 swing. I'm finding that the timing is quite critical to success.

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it! That belt buckle pointed down is a good one for EE like us... Lead hip seam line on the wall as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnzXaJmEd9WikJo

[@ryanschmidt4351]

Hi Eric! Great stuff. What arm patterns might need to be adjusted to account for the lack of posture-driven shallowing as one makes this change? i. e. would you expect to need more right arm internal rotation for this not to cause some steepness for EE-ers?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Ryan! All else equal the better your body motions and the more you re flex the pelvis or torso that would act to STEEPEN the club. So what good players do is do these motions and learn to SHALLOW both the arms and club. The more manually you need to shallow the shaft (which is what I think you are asking) You would need some combination of one or more of these: Right Shoulder external rotation Right wrist extension Right forearm supination Right wrist ulnar deviation Left shoulder internal rotation Left wrist flexion Left forearm pronation Left wrist ulnar deviation

[@dwainecoetser1201]

Hi Eric. Is there any limit or guide on the amount of lowering of the belt line during transition?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Dwaine! Well, with most swings golf swing you don't really want to over do anything (like actually over do it, not FEEL like you are over doing it) With that said most of the times when we feel a foot of movement we actually get 1 inch....so we are pretty safe here. When in doubt record from DTL to confirm. A slightly lowering is good/OK!

[@garykirkner9799]

Eric, I assume lowering the belt buckle will also at a minimum keep my shoulders level or have them lower also before the body pushes off the ground? Thanks Gary Kirkner

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey Gary! It will help, yeah. Your left shoulder should be lower than your right at the top It should stay below until about 1/2 down (hands hip high)

[@CB-dl1fx]

Me all the way, needed this👍🏽

[@CogornoGolf]

Hope it helps my friend!

[@juanbotha6634]

Hi Eric. Does this drill help to prevent excessive spinning of the hips in the downswing which in my case brings the swing path over the top? Rgrds

[@CogornoGolf]

MAYBE but for that I would do more of this kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5DQYYmbmd5kr5I

[@juanbotha6634]

Thanks @@CogornoGolf Any advice on heel strikes with a driver? Put some powder spray on and heel trike with left to right shape. No idea why this is happening

[@terrybrett6164]

Great video Eric.

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate it, Terry!

[@randyboyd3839]

Nice drill to easily work on squat move

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Randy!

[@zhuangliu5734]

Does the squat move apply to driver as well?

[@CogornoGolf]

Yep!

[@denisprieur7944]

Éric...Thank you..thank you thank you! This was an EPIC ha ha moment for me! Finally, an explanation that made me click big time! Big bright light in the tunnel! I squat easily with your navel button demonstration! In about 1 hour time practice the move, it's already in my muscle memory! I'm a 7 handicap, and today, after i played at my golf course, i was crying like a baby! I shot 71, from the tips! Because of you Eric, i'm a new improved golfer now! A million tank you! PS: And to Milo too!

[@CogornoGolf]

LOVE this Denis, our pleasure! Great stuff!!

[@randyunderwood2894]

i am really working on this now. i think over time it has gotten away from me big time. having trouble with hitting fat. am i over squatting or is it a rotation (lack of) issue?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey! Could be lack of rotation yep! Also check the trail arm and wrist. The more you lower the more bent the right arm and right wrist should be

[@hbyrdut]

I worked on the squat move for several months and it did get rid of my early extension but my contact was horrible.

[@CogornoGolf]

I hope you get it sorted my friend! The more you do this movement the more you want to shorter another lever to make up for you getting closer to the ground. Usually right shoulder more down (side bend) combines with right arm/right wrist more bent

[@hbyrdut]

@@CogornoGolf Thanks

[@julierader2322]

Love your lessons but would love to see your examples of a full swings in slow motion!

[@CogornoGolf]

thank you! I hear ya---working more on that in future videos

[@VimMitt]

When i do that i hit the ground. What is the best drill?

[@CogornoGolf]

Here's a good one for you to check out! Hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jajQkGmOoLOeeLc

[@fredrikholmberg1048]

i have problem with early extension and early release and to get my hand further infront at impact. My swing looks good and correct in the practiceswings when videorecordeing my swing but as soon as there is a ball infront everything changes. I'm back to my old swing and can't do anything to change it. i have try everything... :( been plying golf for 30 years and always struggled with the earlyrealese and early extension problem. I'm frustrated :)

[@CogornoGolf]

Join me at www.cogornogolf.com and lets have a look

[@patrickvogel4395]

Explanation starts 2:40

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@JackRainfield]

Awesome lesson! This is exactly what I've been working on this Winter.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks, Jack! Hope you are seeing nice improvements!

[@davidkuperschmid5274]

I end up hitting behind the ball as I lower towards the ground. What am I missing?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey David! IF you added in a lowering piece....but every single other part of your swing remained the same that can happen in the beginning I would look at 1. Right arm more bent through impact 2. Right wrist more bent through impact 3. Enough rotation of hips and chest More on matching arms here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPPppZmjqiqoqc

[@davidkuperschmid5274]

@@CogornoGolf Thanks Eric. I'll give these suggestions a try. Great video as usual.

[@bakervinci163]

It would make more sense if you explained that after impact the buckle has to come up after impact

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey there! You may enjoy checking out this video for more details on that piece! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnXdapWwgK6Leskfeature=shared Hope this helps!

[@johnt697]

Would you agree you are almost sitting down? The reason I ask is because I noticed on video when I was squatting I was getting closer to the ball. My knees were bending like they should but moving closer to ball. I had to get feeling of sitting down on chair, to stop the knees from moving forward Or my butt falling back a bit.. Does this make sense?

[@CogornoGolf]

Hey John! I think so....yes there should be some lowering WITHOUT moving in toward the ball....I like the stick in front of trail leg to feel this and fix moving in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e320oYR9irRjarc

[@richardamoroso_violin]

When I try this, I hit four inches behind the ball! Why’s that?

[@CogornoGolf]

You need to still TURN then learn to shorten your trail arm and wrist like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPPppZmjqiqoqc thats what the best ball strikers do.

[@fitnessallthings5899]

same for driver?

[@thomasesparza9175]

My fear in the back of my mind is, by lowering or squatting, I will hit it fat, but I know it’s a matter of proper timing before pushing down into the ground on the follow through at impact.

[@CogornoGolf]

For sure. The re-extension in follow through is part of it. Shortening the trail arm and wrist is part of it And having enough TURN is part of it. But if it helps with compression/distance/speed it can be worth a go!

[@thomasesparza9175]

@@CogornoGolf I didn’t realize it until someone pointed out I was coming out of my stance early. So my swing thought is to maintain my stance angle through my swing and I have been having improved results, but I will add your squat move drill of keeping my belt pointed toward the ground, too!

[@CogornoGolf]

Love it, Thomas! Hope you continue to hit it good and enjoy your golf!

[@teddythodo3302]

this move becomes much easier when you setup with your butt more tucked underneath you!

[@CogornoGolf]

Agreed! George Gankas was the first person I really heard talking about that and he is spot on

[@douglasscovil3447]

what eric doesn't explicitly say is that you need to rotate your hips 45 degrees (from right to center) as you go into the squat (he actually does this in the video). once you have done that, then you can continue rotating the hips to the left as the club comes around and down into the ball. i think a lot of people who are trying to learn how to shallow the downswing fail to realize that you need to rotate your hips a bit as you do the squat.

[@CogornoGolf]

Appreciate you watching, Douglas!

[@redwave3520]

Why not start in a squat position at set up? Less movement of the body through back swing and down swing.

[@CogornoGolf]

How would you turn back?

[@lawyerlarrry]

Bird at 6:27 did not give af.

[@CogornoGolf]

:)

[@TheRealLanceCummings]

For me, this sequencing is not sufficient. That's because, okay, I understand your desired belt-buckle position, but there are obviously muscle moves that occur *before* the buckle gets into that position. Simply saying that you'd concentrate on this first, without explaining the sequencing to do it ... well ... it seems like there's a heck of a lot of missing information here. There is also apparently a school of thought that maintains that you initiate this squat before the backswing is even fully at the top. Only a *bit* before, but before. You haven't mentioned this, right? So, "when", and "how" (to initiate the squat) seem essential. My understanding, which is only very amateur of course, is that this squat begins with a weight transfer onto the lead leg/foot, combined with a pulling back of the lead hip. How to get the legs working to promote this is what I want to see. My understanding is that the downswing (which includes the squat move) is an unwinding from the bottom up. So if that's correct, shouldn't we be talking feet/knees/legs before we are talking belt position?

[@Oldwiseguy-59]

We don’t see it unless you show SLO mo after each of your hits otherwise useless for us to visualize.

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@einstu]

500 bucks for live view?! Way too expensive

[@bakervinci163]

This is why DeChambeau cut his clubs to one length

[@fransbernard6772]

Thisbis not for seniors high hcp. Too much to think about. Too scientical. For me at least. All his vid are the same

[@CogornoGolf]

Thanks for the feedback, Frans!