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DRILL OVERVIEW
Stop Getting Stuck on the Downswing Drill: Start from the Finish
Your drill at a glance
This drill is from the Golf Practice Made Fun App.
Step 1. Watch the start-from-the-finish rehearsal
Watch the three examples of feeling “stuck,” then look closely at the alternative starting position. Notice that the club begins partway into the follow-through rather than at the normal address position.
Step 2. Compare the examples, then rehearse
Arms pulled behind early
Compare the arms with the chest. The demonstration exaggerates an early pull behind the body to show how the arms can feel crowded later in the swing.
Arms continuing after the turn stops
In this example, the arms keep travelling while the torso’s turn has stopped. Use the photograph to notice that relationship, rather than forcing a bigger turn or a particular elbow position.
Body racing away from the arms
The demonstration shows the hips opening while the arms lag far behind. Treat this as an exaggerated example; the drill is about a flowing movement, rather than trying to make every body part move at exactly the same instant.
Start from a partial finish
Take your normal stance, then move into the partial finish shown. From there, swing back at an easy pace and continue through to a comfortable finish. Let the arms and body respond to the movement instead of forcing separate positions.
| Rehearsal step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Set the start | Move the club partway towards the finish, matching the demonstration at a comfortable height. |
| 2. Swing back | Reverse smoothly into an easy backswing. Allow the chest and arms to move together. |
| 3. Swing through | Continue through without a sudden rush. Finish in balance. |
| 4. Reset | Return to the partial finish starting position before the next repetition. |
Start with short movements. Once the rhythm feels familiar, allow a little more range without forcing the length of the swing.
What to watch for
| What you notice | What to try |
|---|---|
| A rushed reversal | Slow the change of direction and shorten the rehearsal. |
| Arms pulled behind you | Let the chest turn with the arms instead of tugging the hands back on their own. |
| An unbalanced finish | Reduce the pace and range until you can finish comfortably. |
Step 3. Complete your round
What to do
Complete 18 start-from-the-finish rehearsals without a ball. One repetition starts in the partial finish position, moves back and through, then ends with a reset. These are 18 drill repetitions, not 18 holes on a golf course.
Take a short break after six and twelve repetitions. Use an easy pace throughout and notice whether the movement feels less crowded.
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | You complete the shot, routine or movement described above. |
| 0 points | You do not complete the attempt. |
George’s Conclusion
Use this rehearsal to explore movement rather than chase a perfect position. Start from the partial finish, swing back and through slowly, and notice how the arms and body work together. Then return to your normal address position and see which feeling carries over.
For a smaller movement to begin a normal swing, try the Dustin Johnson Swing Trigger Drill.
MAKE THE NEXT BUCKET COUNT
Pick a card. Practise with purpose.
