If you're struggling with inconsistent contact—thin shots, fat shots, or topping the ball—you're not alone. In this post, GOLFTEC Coaches break down one of their go-to drills for improving contact: the hip sway drill. You'll learn why many golfers struggle to shift their hips properly, how to fix it with a simple at-home exercise, and how to build more solid, repeatable ball striking.
The Myth: “Keep Your Head Down”
It sounds helpful, right? But here’s the problem: when golfers focus too much on staying down, they often restrict the movement that’s critical for a good swing. Instead of rotating through and extending toward the target, they get stuck - bending forward and limiting their power.
That restriction can lead to:
- Less distance
- Inconsistent contact
- Shallow swing path issues
- Difficulty with proper follow-through
The truth? The best swings actually finish with the chest and shoulders pointing toward the sky - not crunched down into the ground.
Why Bending Backwards Helps
Bending backwards (also called extension) through impact and into the follow-through promotes:
- A shallow angle of attack, which helps avoid chunking the ground
- More clubhead speed through better body rotation
- A more athletic, balanced finish
It’s one of the keys to swinging from the inside and generating power without needing extra effort.
Try This Drill: The Belly Stick
This simple drill helps golfers feel what it’s like to finish with proper extension:
Step-by-Step:
- Place the butt of the club into your belly
- Grip down the shaft with both hands and keep your arms straight
- Get into your normal setup position
- Slowly rotate position
- Focus on pushing your hips toward the target and chest upward toward the sky
The Key Checkpoints
As you practice the drill and move into real swings, remember these checkpoints
✅ Hips shift toward the target
✅ Chest lifts up through impact
✅ Chin and eyes follow the ball - don’t stay down
✅ Shoulders finish bending back, not hunched forward
You can start with half swings (just parallel in the backswing and follow-through), then gradually increase speed and length. The priority is not form, not distance - at least at first
Final Thoughts
If you want to hit the ball further and more consistently, forget about “keeping your head down.” Instead, focus on bending backwards and finishing high. Not only will it help you strike the ball better, but it’ll also give your swing a more athletic, tour-level look.
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Ready to try it? Watch the full video and start working this move into your practice routine. And remember: the sky’s the limit - literally, for your chest in the follow-through.
