Comments on: 6 Simple Tips To Cure The “Over The Top Golf Swing” http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/ All About Better Golf Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:54:16 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Emmy http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2678 Emmy Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:21:04 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2678 Mike, I have seen countless videos of my swing and I can attest to the fact that not being able to get a good shoulder turn causes me to force my arms to raise further to get behind the ball and I get somewhat past parallel. As soon as this occurs, my shoulders fire first as a result of the coiling and resistance I created on the backswing. Trust me I know and seen it countless number of times. Here is a video on youtube of what happens to golfers with poor range of motion and lack of flexibility without fail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlXF1NkxAtI& That will lead to OTT even when you consciously start from the ground up. My OTT mind you is very slight. I end up OTT but parallel to the swing plane which results in slight cuts or fade. I always been to be able to get the clubhead to get back underneath the plane at the very last minute which requires a lot of hand rotation, compensation, and adjustment. Not a recipe for consistency. One thing I do to avoid this is to not take it too far back. As a matter of fact, my swing coach tells me he would be happy if I just took it halfway back and the lateral move would allow me to complete the backswing the natural way. Flexibility plays a huge role in achieving distance. So most amateurs tend to go too far back on the backswing. My point is once you go too far back, which the result of not being to turn shoulders back far enough or having a limited range of motion there, OTT will ensue. Mike,

I have seen countless videos of my swing and I can attest to the fact that not being able to get a good shoulder turn causes me to force my arms to raise further to get behind the ball and I get somewhat past parallel. As soon as this occurs, my shoulders fire first as a result of the coiling and resistance I created on the backswing. Trust me I know and seen it countless number of times.

Here is a video on youtube of what happens to golfers with poor range of motion and lack of flexibility without fail:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlXF1NkxAtI&

That will lead to OTT even when you consciously start from the ground up. My OTT mind you is very slight. I end up OTT but parallel to the swing plane which results in slight cuts or fade. I always been to be able to get the clubhead to get back underneath the plane at the very last minute which requires a lot of hand rotation, compensation, and adjustment. Not a recipe for consistency.

One thing I do to avoid this is to not take it too far back. As a matter of fact, my swing coach tells me he would be happy if I just took it halfway back and the lateral move would allow me to complete the backswing the natural way. Flexibility plays a huge role in achieving distance. So most amateurs tend to go too far back on the backswing. My point is once you go too far back, which the result of not being to turn shoulders back far enough or having a limited range of motion there, OTT will ensue.

]]> By: Jacques South Africa http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2677 Jacques South Africa Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:19:17 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2677 Whiles making Jims 2ball stick I got carried away. And ended up with 3 balls the middle ball slides up down the shaft. Similar product is available on the net. I also fitted a light club head on the shaft. The only way to get the balls to clang together at the bottom of the swing is to make sure the right elbow swings down in to your side. And to keep the shaft parallel with the ground for as long as possible creating a late hit. Your hands have to be really soft and totally passive. This was the first time I felt the in the slot feeling. Also realized I was casting or starting the swing with my arms and hands not with a weight shift to the left and proper body turn. Good feeling hope it works on the range :lol: ... Whiles making Jims 2ball stick I got carried away. And ended up with 3 balls the middle ball slides up down the shaft. Similar product is available on the net. I also fitted a light club head on the shaft. The only way to get the balls to clang together at the bottom of the swing is to make sure the right elbow swings down in to your side. And to keep the shaft parallel with the ground for as long as possible creating a late hit. Your hands have to be really soft and totally passive. This was the first time I felt the in the slot feeling. Also realized I was casting or starting the swing with my arms and hands not with a weight shift to the left and proper body turn. Good feeling hope it works on the range :lol: …

]]> By: Mike Stramba http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2676 Mike Stramba Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:33:45 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2676 > In order to ensure that the over the top doesn’t occur, at the end of the back swing the back should face the target. Problem is I can’t turn my shoulder back too far The distance your shoulders turn back (during the backswing) has nothing to do with coming over the top (during the downswing). OTT is "simply" (not a simple thing when we over complicate it) improper sequencing on the downswing. It's easy to go OTT even on a 20-40 yard ptich shot, where the shoulders won't be turning much, certainly not 90 degrees. OTT occurs when the shoulders and body turn gets out of sync with the arm swing. E.g. on the 20 yard ptich if on the downswing the shoulders / hips turn back towards the address position, (as they would during a normal downswing), but the arms are restrained from swinging down, then OTT occurs, and the swing path will be across the line. That's why practcing non-golf related throwing motions is benefcial, as most people will rarely go OTT when throwing a baseball, rolling a bowling ball, etc. Mike > In order to ensure that the over the top doesn’t occur, at the end of the back swing the back should face the target. Problem is I can’t turn my shoulder back too far

The distance your shoulders turn back (during the backswing) has nothing to do with coming over the top (during the downswing).

OTT is “simply” (not a simple thing when we over complicate it) improper sequencing on the downswing.

It’s easy to go OTT even on a 20-40 yard ptich shot, where the shoulders won’t be turning much, certainly not 90 degrees.

OTT occurs when the shoulders and body turn gets out of sync with the arm swing.

E.g. on the 20 yard ptich if on the downswing the shoulders / hips turn back towards the address position, (as they would during a normal downswing), but the arms are restrained from swinging down, then OTT occurs, and the swing path will be across the line.

That’s why practcing non-golf related throwing motions is benefcial, as most people will rarely go OTT when throwing a baseball, rolling a bowling ball, etc.

Mike

]]> By: Emmy http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2675 Emmy Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:08:41 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2675 Oh believe me I tried that. You are obviously more flexible than I am. The pause is really holding the upper body on pause and letting the lower body continue. In order to ensure that the over the top doesn't occur, at the end of the back swing the back should face the target. Problem is I can't turn my shoulder back too far and if I try I raise up to get back there which creates the "C" shape and being past parallel with the weight back on the left. At that point I'm already toast. Doesn't matter if I hold, my body will compensate and force me to go over the top. A temporary fix is to shorten the swing and do what you mentioned. It will create a flatter plane but is very effective. But believe me, lack of flexibility is the main culprit and those who want to cure OTT forever need to do some stretching especially if you're as stiff as me. But if there is no time to exercise just shorten the swing and it will definitely help with the other tips. Oh believe me I tried that. You are obviously more flexible than I am. The pause is really holding the upper body on pause and letting the lower body continue. In order to ensure that the over the top doesn’t occur, at the end of the back swing the back should face the target. Problem is I can’t turn my shoulder back too far and if I try I raise up to get back there which creates the “C” shape and being past parallel with the weight back on the left. At that point I’m already toast. Doesn’t matter if I hold, my body will compensate and force me to go over the top. A temporary fix is to shorten the swing and do what you mentioned.
It will create a flatter plane but is very effective. But believe me, lack of flexibility is the main culprit and those who want to cure OTT forever need to do some stretching especially if you’re as stiff as me. But if there is no time to exercise just shorten the swing and it will definitely help with the other tips.

]]> By: John D http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2671 John D Sat, 05 Jun 2010 12:31:54 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2671 I was down the range the other day trying to re gain a feel for the swing and remembered the feet together drill. This is great for curing the OTT swing as you can't HIT with your upper body in the downsing as you will lose balance. Start with your feet and knees together and use a six iron hitting some balls off a tee at first then without as you gain confidence. Make three quarter swings and swing easy, trying to maintain your balance. Once you master this you will be pleasantly surprised how straight and far you can hit the ball. This drill gives you a real feel for the proper downswing , try to keep this feeling when you go back to your normal stance without over powering the swing. Give it a try, I am sure it will help. I was down the range the other day trying to re gain a feel for the swing and remembered the feet together drill. This is great for curing the OTT swing as you can’t HIT with your upper body in the downsing as you will lose balance. Start with your feet and knees together and use a six iron hitting some balls off a tee at first then without as you gain confidence. Make three quarter swings and swing easy, trying to maintain your balance. Once you master this you will be pleasantly surprised how straight and far you can hit the ball. This drill gives you a real feel for the proper downswing , try to keep this feeling when you go back to your normal stance without over powering the swing. Give it a try, I am sure it will help.

]]> By: Jacques South Africa http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2670 Jacques South Africa Sat, 05 Jun 2010 07:12:05 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2670 I own a second hand shop have a lot of shafts balls etc. I love gadgets and try make them all the time. Will make your speed stick now. :grin: Here is two which worked well for me. I took an old stainless 3 wood. I’m 6 foot so if not up to that one take a 5 wood. I made a 1 wood, almost broke my wrists. Drill a hole in the bottom as big a possible. Dig out the foam with thin object. Pour hot lead in the hole. Caution :oops: dangerous. Fumes from foam melting and boiling lead so don't hurt your self. I am not liable for any injuries. Come to think of it use sand and glue the hole instead. Weighted club for muscle building. Second take a mirror shoulder width and ½ as wide. Draw line with a marker across the length. Make a small u out of glue to keep the ball in place in the middle. Watch how you move your head whiles putting and how of line your eyes are. Or go buy it on the net. I own a second hand shop have a lot of shafts balls etc. I love gadgets and try make them all the time. Will make your speed stick now. :grin:

Here is two which worked well for me. I took an old stainless 3 wood. I’m 6 foot so if not up to that one take a 5 wood. I made a 1 wood, almost broke my wrists. Drill a hole in the bottom as big a possible. Dig out the foam with thin object. Pour hot lead in the hole. Caution :oops: dangerous. Fumes from foam melting and boiling lead so don’t hurt your self. I am not liable for any injuries. Come to think of it use sand and glue the hole instead. Weighted club for muscle building.

Second take a mirror shoulder width and ½ as wide. Draw line with a marker across the length. Make a small u out of glue to keep the ball in place in the middle. Watch how you move your head whiles putting and how of line your eyes are.

Or go buy it on the net.

]]> By: Jim http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2669 Jim Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:27:49 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2669 I agree with pausing at the top, it gives the lower body time to start pulling. I also use the left shoulder as a key and thought to keep from OTT swings. When all else fails I have to tell myself, 1. relax and slow down my take away, 2. keep my head over the ball, 3. key off my left shoulder (right handed). I have found Mikes conditioning CD beneficial to core strength and flexibility, I use my elastic exercise cord all the time (see Amazon.com). I also use an old broken 3 wood shaft with two drilled out golf balls attached to the end for an over-speed training club. Drill a hole in two balls, force them onto the end of the shaft, drill another small hole in the shaft and put a screw in it to keep the balls from flying off. This trains the body to swing faster than a regular club and will speed up your swing speed. I agree with pausing at the top, it gives the lower body time to start pulling. I also use the left shoulder as a key and thought to keep from OTT swings. When all else fails I have to tell myself, 1. relax and slow down my take away, 2. keep my head over the ball, 3. key off my left shoulder (right handed). I have found Mikes conditioning CD beneficial to core strength and flexibility, I use my elastic exercise cord all the time (see Amazon.com). I also use an old broken 3 wood shaft with two drilled out golf balls attached to the end for an over-speed training club. Drill a hole in two balls, force them onto the end of the shaft, drill another small hole in the shaft and put a screw in it to keep the balls from flying off. This trains the body to swing faster than a regular club and will speed up your swing speed.

]]> By: JTB http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2665 JTB Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:19:28 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2665 I try to to hold my backswing at the top as I start the downswing. This almost guarantees a lower body move, LATERAL TURN, first and a drop into the slot. For me, holding the upper body back is much easier then trying to focus on moving the lower body first . I think of someone lightly holding my club head at the top as I start downswing. Try it , you'll drop the downswing into the slot every time and stop from coming over the top. Remeber you do need to move the lower body laterally while turning the hips. HOLD AT THE TOP AND FIND THAT PERFECT LATERAL TURN OF THE LOWER BODY. I try to to hold my backswing at the top as I start the downswing. This almost guarantees a lower body move, LATERAL TURN, first and a drop into the slot. For me, holding the upper body back is much easier then trying to focus on moving the lower body first . I think of someone lightly holding my club head at the top as I start downswing. Try it , you’ll drop the downswing into the slot every time and stop from coming over the top. Remeber you do need to move the lower body laterally while turning the hips. HOLD AT THE TOP AND FIND THAT PERFECT LATERAL TURN OF THE LOWER BODY.

]]> By: Emmy http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2660 Emmy Sun, 23 May 2010 23:56:14 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2660 I have watched countless numbers of videos and believe I have a pretty good understanding of the fundamentals of the golf swing. I realize that the swing starts from the ground up. I have watched Ben Hogan's swing a zillion times and tried to emulate it. I bought a slow motion camera and made 100's of swings but to no avail...I'm OTT. My conclusion is that I have poor flexibility. Specifically, poor hip/shoulder separation. I tried a number of flexibility tests that revealed this. So no matter how much I tried to do the slight lateral move and then turning of the left hip, it dragged the right shoulder along with it. My OTT is ever so slight and can only be seen on video because I am OTT but parallel to the plane which produces either pulled shots or slight cuts. I'm almost there but need to work on strengthening my core, increasing hip strength and internal hip rotation so that I can get that wonderful rotation with separation that would never allow me to be OTT. If I can get flexible to the point where I can rotate like Tiger, McIlroy, and Fowller I will be in heaven. Thx Milke for your blog and vids on youtube. They have helped tremendously. I will try a lot of the tips to see if I can get there but I see them as a temporary fix. If hip strength and flexibility is there I believe being over the top is a non issue for a golfer assuming they possess proper swing mechanics. I have watched countless numbers of videos and believe I have a pretty good understanding of the fundamentals of the golf swing. I realize that the swing starts from the ground up. I have watched Ben Hogan’s swing a zillion times and tried to emulate it. I bought a slow motion camera and made 100’s of swings but to no avail…I’m OTT. My conclusion is that I have poor flexibility. Specifically, poor hip/shoulder separation. I tried a number of flexibility tests that revealed this. So no matter how much I tried to do the slight lateral move and then turning of the left hip, it dragged the right shoulder along with it. My OTT is ever so slight and can only be seen on video because I am OTT but parallel to the plane which produces either pulled shots or slight cuts. I’m almost there but need to work on strengthening my core, increasing hip strength and internal hip rotation so that I can get that wonderful rotation with separation that would never allow me to be OTT. If I can get flexible to the point where I can rotate like Tiger, McIlroy, and Fowller I will be in heaven.
Thx Milke for your blog and vids on youtube. They have helped tremendously. I will try a lot of the tips to see if I can get there but I see them as a temporary fix. If hip strength and flexibility is there I believe being over the top is a non issue for a golfer assuming they possess proper swing mechanics.

]]> By: Mike C http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/tips-for-beginners/over-the-top-swing/comment-page-1/#comment-2654 Mike C Tue, 18 May 2010 06:22:00 +0000 http://www.mikepedersengolf.com/improve-golf-swing/over-the-top-swing/#comment-2654 My brother fixed my ott swing with one swing thought. Place a tee at a spot one inch forward and one inch outside of the ball. Imagine going through the ball and hitting the tee that is infront and outside of the ball. Unless you detach your arms from your body, you will never be able to actually hit the tee; it will be outside of the arc of the swing but trying to hit it will force you to correctly align the arc of the swing as the club head approaches the ball (inside out). As you contact the ball you will be at the outer most part of the arc of the swing and as you follow through you will finish the perfect "inside out" swing a la Fred Couples. It won't take long before you can remove the tee and just picture an imaginary spot on the ground. My brother fixed my ott swing with one swing thought. Place a tee at a spot one inch forward and one inch outside of the ball. Imagine going through the ball and hitting the tee that is infront and outside of the ball. Unless you detach your arms from your body, you will never be able to actually hit the tee; it will be outside of the arc of the swing but trying to hit it will force you to correctly align the arc of the swing as the club head approaches the ball (inside out). As you contact the ball you will be at the outer most part of the arc of the swing and as you follow through you will finish the perfect “inside out” swing a la Fred Couples. It won’t take long before you can remove the tee and just picture an imaginary spot on the ground.

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