How To Fix Your Over The Top Golf Swing

Are you struggling with the dreaded "over the top" move in your golf swing? It’s a common issue that leads to weak, inconsistent shots, and often results in a slice or a miss-hit. But the good news is, it's a fixable problem. In this post, we’ll dive into the mechanics of coming over the top and share a simple, effective drill to help you correct this issue, improve your ball striking, and hit more powerful shots.

Understanding the "Over the Top" Move

When a golfer comes over the top, it means their hands and right shoulder (for right-handed golfers) are moving outwards during the downswing. This results in an outside-to-inside swing path, causing the club to swipe across the ball rather than approaching it from the inside. This is typically a result of poor arm and body sequencing in the downswing, and it can make it difficult to compress the ball and generate consistent distance. 

Interestingly, many players try to compensate for the over-the-top motion by manipulating the clubhead, often trying to force the club beneath the proper path. However, much of the issue stems from the right arm (for right-handed golfers), which can cause the club to move outside instead of dropping to an inside path. Fixing this begins with understanding the role of the trail arm and how it influences the downswing.

The Key to Fixing the Over-the-Top Move: Trail Arm Extension

The solution to coming over the top lies in extending your trail arm properly during the downswing. By allowing your trail arm to "unload" correctly, you’ll naturally shallow the club and drop it into the proper position for impact. This extension of the right arm (or left arm for left-handed golfers) not only encourages the correct swing path but also ensures that you generate more power and compression at impact.

One of the best ways to feel this movement is by practicing a simple drill that involves throwing a golf ball. The sensation of throwing can help you understand how your arms and body should move together to create a more efficient and powerful swing.

The Golf Ball Throwing Drill: A Simple, Effective Fix

Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Set Up at the Top of Your Backswing

Start by getting into your normal stance and taking the club to the top of your backswing. You should feel the full stretch, with your lead arm extended and your trail arm bent.

Step 2: Mimic the Throwing Motion

Now, imagine you’re holding a golf ball in your trail hand. At the top of the backswing, you’re going to "throw" the ball in front of you, almost like tossing it to a target at about 7 o’clock (for right-handed players). This motion forces your right arm to extend and the club to drop into a shallower position.

Tip: Focus on keeping your head steady and your posture intact. As you "throw" the golf ball, resist the urge to stand up or lean away from the target. The key is to maintain your body angle while your arms extend in front of you.

Step 3: Create the Correct Sensation

By performing this drill, you’ll feel your right arm extend and your club shallow. The movement should feel natural and fluid, and it will give you the correct sensation of how the club should come from the inside.

Step 4: Practice with a Golf Club

Once you’ve got the feel of throwing the ball, take a club in your hands and repeat the motion. Start at the top of your backswing and focus on extending your right arm as you begin the downswing. This will create a more inside-to-out path, reducing the over-the-top motion.

Step 5: Add a Finish

Once you’re comfortable with the feeling of the club dropping into the right path, finish your swing with a full turn, making sure that your body rotates through the shot. This will ensure that your arms stay connected to your body, promoting better sequencing and a more powerful strike.

Bonus Drill: The "Club Behind the Back Foot" Exercise

Another great drill to reinforce the correct movement is to stop your swing at the top and check the position of your club. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Get to the Top of Your Backswing

Start by taking the club to the top of your backswing. 

Step 2: Check the Club’s Position

Now, stop and check that the clubhead is touching the ground behind your back foot. This position mimics the feeling of throwing the club away from you, and it ensures that the club is coming from an inside path. 

Step 3: Repeat the Motion

After checking this position, complete your swing and follow through. By repeatedly practicing this drill, you’ll start to develop the correct arm extension and shallowing sensation in your downswing.

Conclusion: Unlock Your Best Swing by Fixing the Over-the-Top Move

Coming over the top is a common issue for many golfers, but it’s one that can be corrected with the right focus and practice. By working on your trail arm extension and using drills like the throwing drill or the "club behind the back foot" exercise, you’ll improve your swing path, compress the ball better, and hit more consistent shots.

Remember, the key is to stay connected and maintain proper sequencing. By getting your right arm to extend and the club to shallow, you’ll be on your way to fixing the over-the-top move and hitting your best shots yet.

So, next time you're at the range, try these drills and see how they transform your game. Happy practicing!