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Stop Rushing the Downswing


Published: December 9, 2025

Rushing the downswing is one of those fatal flaws in the golf swing that will wreck your shot in a heartbeat. Most golfers struggle with rushing the downswing because they carry too much tension in their upper bodies, and this starts right from golf setup. Too often I see my students death gripping the golf club, which creates tension that will need to be released sooner than later. If you're too tense at setup, you're going to be very tense at the top of your backswing, and those muscles are going to need to release that tension. This causes the golfer to fire the arms and shoulders to start the downswing, and all the swing sequencing is wrecked.

Instead, you must first shift your weight to initiate the downswing. You simply won't be able to do this fast enough if you throw your arms from the top of the backswing. Your pelvis needs time to shift all the way toward the lead side in the downswing, and if you rush from the top, your pelvis will have a hard time moving quickly enough and you'll end up hitting off your trail foot. Using an AI swing analyzer can show you frame-by-frame exactly when your weight shift is breaking down so you can correct it with confidence.

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Another extremely common culprit behind rushing the golf downswing is when a golfer attempts to over-use their dominant trail hand to swing the club. This also prevents you from shifting your weight, which is critical to allow the golf club to shallow out and get on swing plane, and to allow the swing sequence to unwind properly. If you want more lag in your downswing, it's critical that you learn how to shift your weight properly and work through the sequence in the RotarySwing 5 Step Golf Swing Learning System. The GOAT Drill system is specifically designed to train this lead-side weight shift so your body learns the correct downswing sequence with every rep.

In this video I discuss how to stop rushing your downswing and how to sequence it properly so you can generate more power in your golf swing with less effort.

How to Stop Rushing the Downswing

Learn to improve your golf swing by properly sequencing your downswing for better power and control.

  1. 1

    Relax Your Grip

    Begin by ensuring that your grip on the golf club is relaxed. A death grip creates tension that can lead to rushing the downswing. Focus on holding the club firmly but without excessive pressure.

  2. 2

    Shift Your Weight

    Initiate your downswing by shifting your weight to your lead side. This movement is crucial for maintaining proper swing sequence and allows your pelvis to move effectively, preventing you from hitting off your trail foot.

  3. 3

    Avoid Overusing Your Trail Hand

    Be mindful not to over-rely on your dominant trail hand during the swing. This can hinder your weight shift and disrupt the proper sequencing necessary for an effective downswing.

  4. 4

    Use AI Swing Analysis

    Consider utilizing an AI swing analyzer to observe your downswing mechanics. This tool can provide valuable feedback on when your weight shift breaks down, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.

  5. 5

    Practice the GOAT Drill

    Incorporate the GOAT Drill into your practice routine. This drill is designed to reinforce the lead-side weight shift and help you internalize the correct downswing sequence through repetition.

  6. 6

    Focus on Sequencing

    As you practice, concentrate on the sequencing of your downswing. Proper sequencing will help you generate more power with less effort, leading to improved performance on the course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes golfers to rush their downswing?

Rushing the downswing is often caused by excessive tension in the upper body, which typically begins at setup. Many golfers grip the club too tightly, leading to a build-up of tension that must be released quickly. This tension forces them to fire their arms and shoulders prematurely, disrupting the proper sequencing of the swing.

How can I improve my weight shift during the downswing?

To enhance your weight shift, focus on initiating the downswing by shifting your pelvis toward your lead side rather than relying on your arms. This allows for a more natural transition and ensures that your weight is properly distributed. Practicing the GOAT Drill can help reinforce this lead-side weight shift, promoting the correct downswing sequence.

Why is it important to avoid using my dominant hand too much in the downswing?

Overusing your dominant trail hand in the downswing can hinder your ability to shift your weight effectively. This improper technique prevents the golf club from shallowening and getting on the correct swing plane. By minimizing the influence of your dominant hand, you can maintain better control and allow the swing sequence to unwind properly.

What tools can help me analyze my downswing technique?

Using an AI swing analyzer can provide valuable insights into your downswing mechanics. This technology allows you to view your swing frame-by-frame, identifying when your weight shift breaks down. With this feedback, you can make precise adjustments to improve your downswing and overall swing performance.


Learn the 3 Tour Pro Consistency Secrets You've NEVER Heard!

Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!

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