Over the top

[bts]

I'm not sure which forum this should be posted in, but here goes. Is there a specific swing thought, or drill, that would help me from coming over the top? I struggle fighting the urge to unwind from the top, causing my shoulders to turn before my arms drop enough to not come out over the top. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. If it helps, I'm a swinger.

Ask yourself if you really intend to swing (the lagged club) or "hack" (the ball with fast club), which, I believe, causes "the urge to unwind from the top, .............".

Load and sustain the "lag" and leave enough time for the club to accelerate and release.

[kmmcnabb]

For me what helped was two things: 1) Put a driver across your shoulders in the front with the head out the back about 2 feet (for my 43 inch driver). Set up to the ball and then do your back swing to the top. At the top, move your left hip straight to the target to begin your downswing and then try to hit the ball with the head of your driver across your shoulders. This will give the feel of moving your right shoulder downplane. There are more details on this in other posts. 2) Use your hips to start your downswing and "feel" like your hands drop straight down from the top without you trying to hit with your hands. It is difficult but you will get the feel of moving your swing using your hips and pivot. A great description of how to do this is found in 4 Magic moves by Joe Dante. Perfect Impact on this site has some great descriptions of this move too.

Good luck. I have totally eliminated my over the top move to the extent that I now fight a hook which is pretty great since no one I play with ever goes to that side of the fairway. I actually hit is straight to draw with no change in clubs after over 30 years of slicing.

One other thing that I recommend is using a heavy club like the Momentus Power Hitter (which I love) to get the feel of using your hips and pivot to move the club. Once you get the feel, you can easily translate it to your regular driver. Well worth the 150 bucks.

Good luck.

[Sonic_Doom]

The club on the shoulders drill is excellent-thanks kcmcnabb

Awareness is another key for me. When I initiate the downswing motion I'm very aware now (vs before) to resist the urge to roundhouse i.e. shoulder downplane vs out across plane. OTT is stiil a problem for me when I try to hit it far but this awareness definitely helped.

CW

[kmmcnabb]

Millrat,

No problem at all. I love that drill. I saw it and didn't think much of it but once I tried it, wow, what a difference. Now I don't have to carry around my powerangle pro.

[Jimmy]

Thanks to everyone who replied. The driver across the shoulders drill actually helped quite a bit to feel what a "down plane" right shoulder feels like.