2 Key Downswing Moves for Power & Consistency

Why Your Downswing Makes or Breaks Your Game

Every great golfer, from Ben Hogan to Tiger Woods, understands that the downswing is where power, precision, and consistency come together. A solid backswing can only take you so far-if the downswing isn’t executed properly, your shots will be inconsistent, miss the sweet spot, or lose distance.

Adam Bazalgette, founder of Scratch Golf Academy, breaks down two critical moves every successful golfer uses to start the downswing. These aren’t gimmicks-they’re fundamental mechanics that influence:

• How the club loads naturally
• The position of the low point relative to the ball
• Clubhead speed at impact
• Overall swing consistency

By mastering these moves, you’ll develop a swing that’s not only repeatable but also powerful and precise.

Move 1: Proper Lateral Weight Shift

What it is:

Elite golfers begin their downswing with a slight lateral weight shift from the back foot to the front foot while keeping the head relatively still. This is not an exaggerated slide but a smooth, controlled shift that positions the body to hit the ball cleanly.

Why it works:

• Moves the low point of the swing forward, ensuring crisp contact.
• Allows better arm loading, storing energy for release at impact.
• Helps guide the club into the correct swing slot, reducing hooks and slices.

Pro Example:

• Ben Hogan: Despite his compact swing, Hogan shows a significant weight shift at impact. This helps him hit the ball before the turf, creating consistent iron shots.
• Tiger Woods (Irons): Tiger shifts weight forward, especially with short irons, allowing him to compress the ball and maintain control.

Driver Differences: With the driver, weight shift is slightly different due to setup changes. The ball is positioned more forward, requiring a more level strike rather than a steep downward hit.

Pro Examples & What They Teach Us 

What it is:

Elite golfers begin their downswing with a slight lateral weight shift from the back foot to the front foot while keeping the head relatively still. This is not an exaggerated slide but a smooth, controlled shift that positions the body to hit the ball cleanly.

Why it works:

• Moves the low point of the swing forward, ensuring crisp contact.
• Allows better arm loading, storing energy for release at impact.
• Helps guide the club into the correct swing slot, reducing hooks and slices.

Pro Example:

• Ben Hogan: Despite his compact swing, Hogan shows a significant weight shift at impact. This helps him hit the ball before the turf, creating consistent iron shots.
• Tiger Woods (Irons): Tiger shifts weight forward, especially with short irons, allowing him to compress the ball and maintain control.

Driver Differences: With the driver, weight shift is slightly different due to setup changes. The ball is positioned more forward, requiring a more level strike rather than a steep downward hit.

Drill to Practice:

The Skip-the-Rock Drill

1. Visualize skipping a stone with your club.
2. Begin the downswing by transferring weight toward your front foot.
3. Feel your trail arm extend naturally as you “throw” the club toward an imaginary target.
4. Keep your head steady to prevent tilting forward or swaying.

This drill helps you feel the correct weight shift and low-point positioning without hitting a ball.

Move 2: Narrowing the Arc/Radius of the Swing

What it is:
The second move involves bringing the lead arm and club closer to the body during the backswing and downswing, creating a more acute swing radius.

Why it works:

• Helps the club slot naturally into the swing plane.
• Reduces resistance, allowing more speed and a whip-like release.
• Improves control of swing path, minimizing overswing and hooks.
  

Pro Example:

• Tiger Woods (Irons): Shows a narrower arc in irons, loading the club while striking down on the ball.
• Tiger Woods (Driver): Slightly wider arc to maintain a level strike due to ball position changes.
• General Observation: Narrow arcs allow for faster, more controlled energy transfer from the arms to the club.
  

Drill to Practice:

Alignment Rod Drill

• Feel how the narrow radius lets the club accelerate naturally.
• Place an alignment rod on the ground toward a target.
• Take your backswing, focusing on keeping the lead arm and club close to your body.
• Start the downswing by moving the club along a direct line to the target.

Combining the Two Moves for Maximum Power

When you combine lateral weight shift and a narrow swing radius, you create:

• Forward low point: Hit the ball before the ground for cleaner contact.
• Loaded arms: Build potential energy for a whip-like release.
• Swing efficiency: Minimized resistance, maximizing clubhead speed.

Adam emphasizes that even small improvements in these areas can add yards of distance and improve consistency, especially with irons.

Additional Tips & Common Mistakes

• Don’t over-rotate your hips: Pure rotation without weight transfer can swing the club across the target line.
• Avoid excessive swaying: Lateral movement should feel like a smooth push, not a slide.
• Keep the head steady: Too much head movement affects timing and low-point control.
• Practice gradually: Start with small swings, then expand to full shots as you internalize the mechanics.

Watch the Full Video

For a visual demonstration, see Adam Bazalgette’s full lesson:

Takeaway: Two Moves That Transform Your Swing

• Lateral Weight Shift – Transfers energy efficiently and positions the low point correctly.
• Narrow Swing Radius – Loads the arms and allows a whip-like release for speed and control.

Mastering these moves creates a swing that is powerful, repeatable, and consistent—regardless of whether you’re using a short iron or driver.

Next Steps:

Practice the Skip-the-Rock Drill and Alignment Rod Drill at home. Record your swing to check weight shift and arc.

Join Scratch Golf Academy for step-by-step courses and drills to improve every aspect of your golf game.