Diagnosing and Correcting Over the Top Moves

The Dreaded Over-the-Top

Ah, the dreaded over-the-top move. It’s the golf swing flaw that can torment even the most seasoned players, turning a smooth, powerful swing into a chaotic mess of slices, hooks, and shanks. But fear not, my fellow golf enthusiasts, for I am here to guide you through the process of diagnosing and correcting this pesky issue.

As the head golf pro at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, I’ve seen my fair share of over-the-top swings, and I’ve worked with countless golfers to help them overcome this challenge. In this in-depth article, I’ll share the insights and techniques that have proven effective in my experience, so you can take your game to new heights and leave the over-the-top move in the rearview mirror.

Understanding the Over-the-Top Swing

Let’s start by understanding what the over-the-top swing actually is. The over-the-top move is a common swing flaw that occurs when the club head travels too far to the outside of the target line on the backswing, and then swings back across the body on the downswing, often resulting in an “outside-in” club path. This can lead to a variety of ball-striking issues, such as slices, hooks, and fat shots.

But what causes this swing flaw in the first place? There can be several contributing factors, including:

1. Excessive upper body rotation: Some golfers tend to over-rotate their shoulders and upper body during the backswing, which can pull the club head too far to the outside.
2. Lack of lower body involvement: If the lower body isn’t engaged properly, the upper body can dominate the swing, leading to the over-the-top move.
3. Tight or inflexible hips: Restricted hip mobility can make it difficult to properly shift weight and rotate the lower body, again leading to an over-the-top swing.
4. Incorrect grip: An overly strong grip can also contribute to an over-the-top move, as it can cause the club face to close too quickly on the downswing.

Identifying the specific root cause of your over-the-top swing is the first step in correcting the issue. By understanding the underlying mechanics at play, we can develop a targeted approach to address the problem.

Diagnosing the Over-the-Top Swing

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the over-the-top move, let’s dive into the process of diagnosing it. As with any golf swing issue, the key is to analyze your swing from multiple angles and identify the specific areas that need attention.

One of the most effective ways to diagnose an over-the-top swing is to video record your swing from multiple angles, including down-the-line and face-on views. This allows you to closely examine your body position, club path, and ball flight throughout the entire swing sequence.

When analyzing your swing footage, pay close attention to the following:

1. Club Path: Look for the club head traveling too far to the outside on the backswing, and then swinging back across the body on the downswing.
2. Shoulder Rotation: Observe the degree of upper body rotation during the backswing. Is it excessive or out of sync with the lower body?
3. Weight Shift: Note how your weight shifts (or doesn’t shift) throughout the swing. Proper weight transfer is crucial for a balanced, on-plane swing.
4. Hip Movement: Assess the mobility and rotation of your hips. Are they turning in sync with the upper body, or is there a disconnect?
5. Grip: Examine your grip position and hand placement on the club. An overly strong grip can contribute to an over-the-top move.

By carefully analyzing these key elements, you’ll be able to pinpoint the specific areas that need attention and develop a tailored plan for correcting your over-the-top swing.

Correcting the Over-the-Top Swing

Now that we’ve diagnosed the problem, it’s time to focus on the solutions. Correcting an over-the-top swing requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing both the physical mechanics and the mental aspects of the game.

Address the Physical Mechanics

1. Improve Lower Body Involvement: Focus on engaging your lower body more during the swing. This can be achieved through various drills and exercises that emphasize hip rotation, weight shift, and leg drive.

One of my favorite drills for this is the “step-in” drill, where you take a small step forward with your lead foot during the downswing. This helps to shift your weight properly and initiate the swing from the ground up.

1. Increase Hip Mobility: If limited hip mobility is contributing to your over-the-top swing, it’s essential to address this issue through stretching and mobility exercises. Incorporating targeted hip stretches and strengthening routines can help improve your range of motion and allow for better lower body rotation.

2. Adjust Your Grip: If your grip is too strong, consider adjusting it to a more neutral position. This can help prevent the club face from closing too quickly on the downswing, which is a common cause of the over-the-top move.

3. Practice Drills and Swing Cues: Incorporate specific drills and swing cues that reinforce the proper swing path and club head movement. For example, the “inside-out” drill, where you focus on swinging the club more from the inside on the downswing, can be a game-changer for over-the-top swingers.

Address the Mental Aspect

Correcting an over-the-top swing isn’t just about the physical mechanics; it also requires a shift in your mental approach to the game. Here are some strategies to help you get out of your own head and start striking the ball with confidence:

1. Visualize the Correct Swing: Before each shot, take a moment to visualize the perfect swing path and ball flight. Imagine the club head traveling on the correct, inside-to-out path, and see the ball soaring straight towards your target.

2. Focus on the Target: Instead of getting bogged down by mechanics, shift your attention to your target. Visualize the ball landing exactly where you want it to, and let your body naturally swing the club to make that happen.

3. Trust Your Swing: One of the biggest obstacles in correcting an over-the-top move is the tendency to overthink and second-guess your swing. Learn to trust your swing and let it happen naturally, without constantly trying to manipulate the club.

4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small improvements you make along the way. Hitting a few straight shots or feeling a more balanced swing can be a huge confidence booster and keep you motivated to continue your progress.

Remember, mastering the golf swing is a lifelong journey, and overcoming an over-the-top move is no easy task. But with patience, persistence, and the right approach, you can transform your swing and take your game to new heights.

Putting it All Together: A Case Study

Let’s take a look at a real-life example of how I’ve helped a golfer overcome the over-the-top move. Meet Sarah, a dedicated golfer who had been struggling with an inconsistent swing and a persistent slice for years.

When Sarah first came to me for lessons, the diagnosis was clear: her swing was plagued by an over-the-top move. After analyzing her swing on video, we identified the key culprits – excessive upper body rotation, limited hip mobility, and an overly strong grip.

Together, we developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues:

1. Improve Lower Body Involvement: We started with the “step-in” drill, which helped Sarah shift her weight and initiate the downswing from her lower body.

2. Increase Hip Mobility: Sarah committed to a regular stretching routine, focusing on her hips and lower back. Over time, her range of motion improved significantly.

3. Adjust Grip: We experimented with different grip positions until we found the one that felt most comfortable and natural for Sarah, allowing her to release the club properly on the downswing.

4. Practice Swing Drills: Sarah dedicated time to drills like the “inside-out” swing, which helped her develop a more ideal club path.

But the real breakthrough came when we addressed the mental aspect of her game. Sarah had been so focused on her mechanics that she was constantly second-guessing her swing and struggling to trust her natural abilities.

We worked on visualization exercises, target-focused practice, and cultivating a more positive, confident mindset. Slowly but surely, Sarah started to see dramatic improvements in her ball striking and consistency.

Today, Sarah is a completely different golfer. Her over-the-top move is a thing of the past, and she’s hitting the ball straighter and longer than ever before. She’s even shaved several strokes off her handicap and is now a regular fixture on the leaderboard at our club tournaments.

The key takeaway from Sarah’s story is that overcoming an over-the-top swing requires a holistic approach, addressing both the physical mechanics and the mental aspects of the game. With the right guidance, dedication, and a little bit of perseverance, you too can conquer this common swing flaw and take your golf game to new heights.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work and say goodbye to that pesky over-the-top move for good!