Transition & DownswingIntermediateFixes: Poor Weight Shift

Pressure Awareness with the Downshift Board

Curated PGA Drill by Adam Bazalgette

Focus Area

Transition

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by Adam BazalgetteWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

Using a dynamic tilt/downshift board enforces moving pressure to the target side before the club or arms start their downward path. This ensures proper kinematic sequencing, eliminating over-the-top, casting, and hanging back.

How to Perform the Drill

Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Step 1 (Setup): Place the Downshift Board (tilt board) on the ground (1:03-5:30). Stand centered on the board so you are in your normal golf stance.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Step 2 (Trail-Side Shift): Practice shifting your pressure to the trail side first, feeling the board tilt/downshift toward your trail foot, and ONLY THEN start turning your hips/shoulders.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Step 3 (Lead-Side Shift): Before turning into the downswing, practice shifting your pressure forward to the lead side, feeling the board click/downshift forward, BEFORE moving the arms or club.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Step 4 (Sequencing): Emphasize moving pressure to the lead side BEFORE the club or arms initiate downswing to ensure a correct body-first sequencing (1:15).

What Good Feels Like

Focus on smooth tempo and maintaining body connection through impact. Your body and club should move as a single synchronized unit.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Rushing transition before completing backswing or lunging upper body forward towards ball at impact. Keep movement controlled.

Swing Faults & Ball Flights Addressed

Poor Weight ShiftHanging BackSlideSwaySequencing

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Improve Weight Shift in the Golf Swing

Improve weight shift by loading pressure into your trail foot early in the backswing, then shifting it to your lead side to start the downswing: before the arms or club move. Most golfers do this backwards: they reverse pivot going back, then hang on the trail foot at impact. Fix the sequence with step and pressure drills, not a lateral slide.

Not sure this is your real fault?

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