Fix My Fault - Better Swing Starts with Your Hips

When it comes to fixing common swing faults, it might just be time to look below the belt - literally. In this episode of Fix My Fault, we’re talking about the role of hip sway in the golf swing. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about moving your hips - it’s about how, when, and where they move throughout your swing.

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What is Hip Sway, and Why Does it Matter?

Hip sway refers to the side-to-side motion of the hips during the golf swing, especially in relation to the target. Getting this motion right is key to:

• Generating more power
• Controlling your low point
• Producing a consistent swing path

At GOLFTEC, our coaches are trained to analyze these movements using 3D motion measurements and tour-level data. We don’t just say “turn more” or “shift your weight” - we show you exactly how far your hips should move at each stage of the swing.

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The Ideal Hip Motion: A Data-Backed Look

Here’s what the best players in the world are doing, particularly with a 7-iron:

• At the top of the backswing: hips are about 0.3 inches toward the target.
• Starting the downswing: hips shift further to 2 inches toward the target.
• At impact: hips move even more, about 3.1 inches toward the target.
• Follow-through: hips max out at around 3.8 inches toward the target.

At the same time, the shoulders begin moving away from the target during the downswing, creating the rightward tilt necessary for that into-out path so many golfers struggle to find.

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What Happens When You Don’t Move the Hips Enough?

If your hips are stuck - or worse, moving away from the target - you’re likely facing:

• Chunked or fat shots
• Low ball flight
• Loss of distance
• Poor consistency

Too much forward bend (instead of backward bend) in the follow-through is often a sign that the hips didn’t shift forward. And that’s not just a small miss - it can be the root of everything from poor contact to power leaks.

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The Fix: Learn the Hip Motion Before You Swing

Before even introducing a ball, try this:

1. Address red dot (or any neutral point).
2. Place an object - like a club - next to your lead ear.
3. Slowly push your hips toward the target while keeping your head still.
4. Hold that position and move into the follow-through, keeping the hips moving forward.

You should feel like you're "hip bumping" toward the target - because you are.

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Now Let's Swing

Once you've grooved the motion, start with small swings:

• Club no further than parallel to the ground
• Emphasize hips moving toward the target
• Expect some thin shots at first - that's okay!

Thin is better than fat. Contact will improve as your motion becomes more natural.

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Do These Hips Moves Apply to Every Club

Yes - and no. The general motion stays consistent, but the numbers might shift slightly depending on the club. The lesson in this video focuses on a 7-iron, but the same forward momentum of the hips should apply across your bag - especially with wedges, where many players fall into the trap of staying too centered or drifting back.

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Want to Add More Distance?

Learn how improving your hip turn can help you hit it farther and play better. Check out this GOLFTEC Blog to gain more insights to better your game!

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Ready to Feel It?

If you’re the type of learner who benefits from visual cues, seeing the full swing pattern, and watching real-time corrections, make sure to watch the full video at the top of this post. It’s packed with step-by-step movement, coaching visuals, and that classic “Fix My Fault” style.

Want to know how your hips are moving? Schedule a Swing Evaluation at GOLFTEC, and let our motion measurement systems show you exactly what’s happening in your swing.

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