Transition & DownswingIntermediateFixes: Over the top

The Dropping Drill (Justin Rose Feel)

Curated PGA Drill by Scratch Golf Academy

Focus Area

Transition

Rep Guidance

3 sets of 10 slow rehearsal reps

Equipment

Golf club, alignment stick (optional)

Skill Level

Intermediate

Video walkthrough by Scratch Golf AcademyWatch on YouTube ↗

Why This Drill Works (Kinetic Mechanics)

Disassociates the arm drop from the shoulder spin, curing the Over-the-Top move.

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

    Go to the top of your backswing.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Feel your back stay to the target.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Let your arms 'fall' vertically to waist height without turning shoulders.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Pump this 'drop' motion twice, then swing through.

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

Over the topSliceSteep downswing

Comprehensive Guides Featuring This Drill

How to Stop Coming Over the Top

Coming over the top happens when your shoulders spin open in transition before your arms drop the club into the slot, dragging it across the target line. Stop it by delaying the shoulder turn, letting your arms fall vertically first, and feeling the club approach from inside the ball-to-target line.

Not sure this is your real fault?

Upload one swing video and our AI will identify whether over the top is actually what's costing you strokes, using physics-backed metrics and a practice plan matched to what it finds. Your first analysis is free.

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