Too much 'side to side' in your golf swing? Sliding will lead to a power loss and control issues. Perhaps the worst mistake a golfer can commit is to lead with his or her body, or to slide. Most of the golfers who are new to play golf are usually wrong with their weight shift which makes them unstable and affects their accuracy. Sliding especially during downswing is a very common problem for new players. Learn how to stop sliding in downswing.
Why am I sliding in my golf swing?
There can be several reasons why you may be sliding in your golf swing. Some may take a few practice to master while some are often overlooked until their ball veers to a hook or slice.
Sliding occurs when a golfer shifts their weight too far to their back foot, while they start their downswing. By gliding towards the target, they lose their balance, as well as their chances of power and accuracy in their shot. Other factors for sliding include improper weight transfer, incorrect posture, poor body mechanics, and a lack of hip rotation. Knowing which mistakes you are committing makes it easier to self correct on how to stop sliding in downswing.
Improper weight transfer - If you do not transfer your weight correctly from your back foot to your front foot during the downswing, you are at risk for sliding.
Incorrect posture - When a golfer doesn't have proper posture, he will tend to lean forward during the downswing creating a lateral shift in the hips and torso. This movement can cause the golfer to slide out of position.
Poor body mechanics - If you have a reverse pivot, a swaying motion, or if you are not turning your hips correctly, you might be at risk of slinging your clubhead right past the ball. These are in fact some of the most common technical mistakes that a golfer must fix.
Lack of hip rotation - If you don't rotate your hips correctly during the downswing, it can lead to an unnatural slide instead of a smooth turn.
Too much lateral slide in the downswing can negatively impact the power and accuracy of your shot.
If you feel like your clubhead is flying left of your target on a regular basis, it's possible that your body has slid to the inside of your back foot during the backswing.
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How do you know if you are sliding on your downswing?
If your golf game has taken a turn for the worse, you may be slipping during your downswing. Here are the most common indicators that you might be breaking down your golf swing in the downswing.
Lack of power - If you feel like you are not generating enough power in your shots, it could be a sign that you are sliding.
Inconsistent ball flight - The flight of the ball is one of the best clues to understand your action and have great results. But if your ball flight is inconsistent or if you're missing the target, it could be a sign of sliding.
Poor balance - Do you feel like you are losing balance and falling forward during your downswing? It could be a sign of sliding. Learn how to stop sliding in your downswing.
Body mechanics - If your lower body moves laterally during the downswing, you're losing power.
Ball trajectory - Sliding is a common cause of hooks and slices. If your shots tend to slice or hook, you might be sliding incorrectly.
By being aware of these signs, you can work on improving your swing and reducing sliding during the downswing.
How To Stop Sliding In Downswing
The key to a great golf game lies within your ability to make a solid impact with the ball. To create the ideal impact, you need to have control of your body during the golf swing. Here are some tips on how to stop sliding in downswing.
Maintain a stable posture
One of the most important parts of good posture is keeping your spine angle constant throughout the swing. Maintain a square position throughout the golf swing and don't allow your body to bend or straighten much during the downswing. The added stability will boost your power, accuracy, and consistency.
Keep your weight on your left side
When executing the golf downswing, transfer your weight from the back foot to your front foot and shift your hips toward the target. As you move from your back foot to your front foot, make sure you stop at the top of the swing, just before you start the downswing. A proper weight shift could drive the ball down the fairway with great distance.
Rotate your hips
A golf swing requires a proper rotation.When you're golfing, you have to generate a lot of power in your swing. To create the most leverage and power with your hips, first turn them to the left as you begin your backswing. This allows you to rotate your hips fully on the downswing. As you turn your hips to the left to initiate the downswing, turn your shoulders and clubface away from the target to achieve greater distance.
Keep your head still
Be careful not to move your head during the swing. If you swing too fast, you can lose balance and fall down. If you move your head while swinging, you may lose balance and fall completely off the swing. Sliding, or falling out of your stance, breaks concentration and throws your form off.
Practice proper balance
Develop better balance and stability during the swing. Keeping your stance stable can reduce sliding.
Use golf training aids
Consider using golf training aids such as balance rods, impact bags, golf swing trainers that help analyze your swing motions. Incorporating the use of these devices during your practice and warm up before heading to the fairway, will not only help reduce your sliding but also give you better control on your club speed and hit more powerful shots. It’s like receiving lessons from a golf professional.
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