Stay Down Through Impact (3-Part Sequence)
Curated PGA Drill by Kerrod Gray Golf
Full Swing/Impact
3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps
Golf club, alignment stick (optional)
Intermediate
Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)
Staying down through impact requires a precise sequence. Insufficient backswing turn leads to a narrow swing and early lift (thin shots). The key is the re-centering move in transition, which lowers the lead hip and positions the body to move down and forward, achieving the necessary compression over the ball. This ensures the club delivers the ball-first, ground-second strike by maintaining the correct spine and hip angles.
How to Perform the Drill
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Rehearse slowly to build proper motor patterns before adding full swing speed.
- 1
Step 1
Create a Big Turn (Backswing): Ensure maximum rotation in your hips and shoulders to keep your arms long and avoid folding them in (4:20).
- 2
Step 2
Tour Pro Re-centering (Transition): At the top of the backswing, initiate a falling/re-centering movement toward the lead foot to lower your front hip and apply downward pressure (5:25). Avoid loading too much weight onto the back foot.
- 3
Step 3
Correct Downswing Sequence (Impact): Combine the big turn and re-centering move. From the compressed, low position, allow the club to come underneath you and your arms to lengthen as your body moves down and forward, covering the ball (6:59).
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
Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill
Fix early extension by keeping your trail-side glute and hips turning back and down instead of thrusting forward toward the ball. Build real backswing depth, then use wall or chair contact drills to feel your pelvis stay back through impact. This preserves spine angle so the club has room to release without you standing up.
You top or thin the ball because the club's low point is behind the ball or your swing center rises before impact. Fix it by keeping your sternum steady, shifting pressure onto your lead foot before impact, and committing to a descending strike that clips the turf after the ball: not by trying to lift the ball up.
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