An over-the-top golf swing is one of the most common swing faults among amateur golfers. It leads to slices, pulls, weak contact, and inconsistent ball striking. The good news is that this swing flaw can be fixed quickly once you understand why it happens.
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An over-the-top swing occurs when the club moves outside the target line during the downswing, cutting across the ball from out to in. This usually happens because the downswing starts with the upper body and arms instead of the lower body.
The first step to fixing an over-the-top swing is improving your setup. Check your alignment and make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line. Poor alignment often forces the club to swing across the ball.
Next, focus on the transition. Many golfers rush the downswing and pull the club down with their arms. This steepens the swing path and creates the over-the-top motion. Instead, allow the lower body to initiate the downswing. When the hips start first, the club naturally drops into a better position.
Another common cause is tension in the hands and arms. Gripping the club too tightly restricts movement and encourages an aggressive pull from the top. Lightening your grip pressure allows the club to shallow naturally.
Ball position also matters. Playing the ball too far forward can exaggerate an over-the-top move. For irons, keep the ball near the center of your stance. This promotes a more neutral path through impact.
A simple drill to fix this fast is to make slow practice swings focusing on letting the club drop behind you before turning through the shot. This helps retrain the feeling of swinging from the inside.
Finish your swing in balance, with your weight on your lead foot and your chest facing the target. A balanced finish is a strong indicator that the swing path was improved.
Fixing an over-the-top swing doesn’t require a full rebuild. By adjusting setup, improving transition, and reducing tension, you can eliminate this fault and start hitting straighter, more powerful shots quickly.
Kevin Collier is an avid golfer and contributing author at AIGolfTips.com, where he shares his passion for the game through expert tips, techniques, and gear reviews. With years of experience on the course, Kevin offers valuable insights for golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their game and maximize their potential. Whether discussing swing mechanics or the latest in golf technology, Kevin's engaging approach aims to inspire and educate fellow golf enthusiasts to elevate their performance and enjoy every moment on the green.
