Practice Tip  

Pump down drill

Here's a great drill to help maximize your power as well as a great preventive measure against coming over the top of the swing plane.

Simply take your setup position with a 5 iron or driver and then make a full swing to the top. Then while holding your shoulders in the 90 degree turned position drop your arms down until your right elbow (right handed golfers) touches your right side. Try to retain your wrist cock while doing this. The club should be parallel to the ground at about waist high. The toe of the club should be pointing straight up or slightly downward. The club should also be parallel to your target line in this position. Repeat this drill several times and then make a complete swing with the same pump down feeling while delaying your shoulders from turning forward.

You'll find you save your shoulder energy until much later when you need it towards the impact area. Tom Watson has used this drill for years while warming up on the driving range for tournaments.

Back to Practice Tips