SEQUENCE OF THE GOLF SWING

The golf swing isn’t one singular, fluid movement; it’s a highly precise, sequential chain reaction known as the Kinetic Chain. In amateur golf, poor sequencing—where the wrong body parts move at the wrong time—is the single biggest cause of power loss, inconsistency, and the dreaded slice.

Our featured video, “SEQUENCE OF THE GOLF SWING”, breaks down the ideal order of movements, from the start of the takeaway to the powerful release through impact. Understanding and executing this sequence is the fastest way to improve your golf swing and achieve effortless, professional-level power.

The Sequence Breakdown: Top-Down Power

The proper sequence ensures that speed is generated from the ground up and transferred efficiently to the clubhead at impact. The power comes from the stretching and releasing of the body’s largest, strongest muscles in the correct order.

Phase 1: The Backswing (Setup)

The goal of the backswing is to create a powerful coil and set the club on the proper path.

• Order: The swing should start with the shoulders and arms moving the club away in one piece (the takeaway). The hips rotate passively as the shoulders reach full coil. The hands set the wrist hinge last.

Phase 2: The Transition (The Moment of Truth)

This is where most amateurs fail. They start the downswing by throwing the arms and shoulders.

• The Correct Order (The Hip Bump): The downswing must be initiated by the lower body. The hips shift laterally (bump) toward the target and then aggressively rotate open. This separation creates lag and is the key to effortless speed.

Phase 3: The Downswing and Impact (The Release)

With the lower body leading, the energy releases up the chain.

• The Correct Order: Hips $\to$ Torso/Shoulders $\to$ Arms $\to$ Clubhead. The chest and arms follow the hips. The final release of the hands and clubhead occurs right at the bottom, delivering maximum speed and extension through impact.

The Sequencing Faults You Must Avoid

The video specifically highlights the common sequencing error known as “Over the Top”, which is almost always caused by the upper body firing too early.

• The Amateur Fix: Focusing on keeping the lower body passive on the downswing and trying to hit the ball with JUST ARMS. This causes the club to swing outside-in, resulting in a weak slice.
• The Pro Fix: Training the hips to fire first to pull the arms and club from the inside, preventing the “over the top” move and setting the club on a powerful, inside path.

How to Practice the Correct Sequence

You can practice the proper sequence easily with Indoor Golf Drills. Focus on slowing down the transition and feeling the chain reaction:

1. Stop and Go Drill: Pause briefly at the top of the backswing, then aggressively initiate the downswing with only the feeling of turning your left hip (for right-handers) back toward the target.
2. The Step Drill: Step forward with your lead foot just before starting the downswing. This physically forces the lower body to lead the sequence.

Stop guessing and start building a powerful, consistent swing! Check on YouTube