Pump Drill
TransitionThe classic anti-over-the-top move: repeated “pumps” from the top teach the club to drop into the inside slot as the lower body starts first.
How to do it
- 1Swing to the top of your backswing and pause.
- 2Pump the club halfway down by shifting into your lead side and letting your arms drop — then return to the top.
- 3Repeat the pump three times, feeling the hands drop toward your trail hip pocket each time.
- 4On the third pump, keep going and hit the ball at 70% speed.
Feel: The club falls behind you into the slot while your hips lead the way.
Equipment: none
Pause-at-the-Top Drill
TransitionInserting a deliberate one-second pause at the top kills the rushed, snatchy transition and forces the downswing to start from the ground up.
How to do it
- 1Make a normal, full backswing and stop completely at the top.
- 2Count “one-thousand-one” while holding your coil.
- 3Start the downswing by pressing into your lead foot — not by throwing your hands.
- 4Hit smooth shots this way; the ball should still fly surprisingly far.
Feel: The lower body starts the race while the club is still waiting at the top.
Equipment: none
Step-Change Drill (Step Into It)
TransitionBorrowed from throwing sports: stepping toward the target during the swing ingrains the pressure shift that should start every downswing.
How to do it
- 1Set up to a ball with your feet together.
- 2Start your backswing, and as the club reaches the top, step your lead foot toward the target into its normal position.
- 3Let the step trigger the downswing and swing through to a full finish.
- 4Start without a ball, then hit easy shots once the timing feels natural.
Feel: Like a pitcher striding toward home plate — weight flows forward before the arms fire.
Equipment: none