Weight shift is a key element in any golfer’s swing, and understanding how to shift your weight efficiently can drastically improve your consistency and power.
In this video, YouTube golf coach and Golf Digest “Best Young Teacher” JT Thomas joins the Performance Golf YouTube channel and demonstrates three simple drills that can help golfers master weight shift by utilizing momentum, rotation, and a coordinated stepping drill.
Watch the video first, and then we’ll break down the drills that make weight shift easier.
Drill 1. Understanding Momentum in the Golf Swing
The first drill focuses on using momentum to naturally shift your weight. By lightly holding the club and swaying from side to side, you can feel the pressure shift from your right foot to your left.
This movement is crucial for starting the backswing and moving into the downswing. The key takeaway is that weight shift begins with momentum before the club moves. Practicing small swings while shifting weight to the right, then the left, builds awareness of how your body controls the movement of the club.
Drill 2. Using Rotation for Better Weight Shift
The next drill emphasizes rotation and how it contributes to weight shift. JT points out that skilled golfers shift their weight properly by planting their lead heel closer to the target than their toe during the downswing.
This movement ensures weight transfers to the front foot. A simple way to practice this is to place a golf ball near your lead heel and focus on moving your heel outside the ball during the backswing. This helps build the correct rotational motion and encourages weight shift onto the lead side.
Drill 3. Step Drill for Coordination and Timing
The final drill is a basic step drill that helps you coordinate your body and club movement. By placing two alignment sticks just outside a narrow stance, the drill teaches you to step first, then move the club.
The rhythm of stepping before the club moves reinforces proper weight shift and timing. Starting with small steps, the goal is to step, move, and swing fluidly to strike the ball cleanly.
Simple Drills, Big Results
Mastering weight shift can make a significant difference in your golf swing. By incorporating momentum, rotation, and coordinated stepping drills, you can develop a smoother, more powerful swing. JT’s simple, actionable tips allow golfers of all levels to practice weight shift efficiently. Try these drills and feel the improvement in your swing FAST!
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