Head dipping problem... swing video

[cstorms]

I can't seem to keep my head still on the downswing. Is there anything I can do to stop this? I know I will be able to hit it more consistently if my head stays in place. Other than that, are there any more problems you can see? thanks for any help.

[James_Black]

your not really driving your hips at all.
It's a really armsy swing you've got.
I'd say your a pretty short hitter?

[muggs]

Yeah, first thing that stood out to me was the lack of hip rotation. They should lead your swing.

[cstorms]

yea it is armsy i need to work on that... im actually not that short, i wonder if i can hit further with proper hip movement... how can I work on that?

[deronsizemore]

yea it is armsy i need to work on that... im actually not that short, i wonder if i can hit further with proper hip movement... how can I work on that?

YouTube is your friend! I don't agree with everything Shawn (coach in the video) says, but this should at least help you grasp the idea of what should be happening when you swing back.

Your head is dropping down because of your lack of hip turn. Your right hip goes up in your backswing so then your left side of your body goes down thus bringing your head with it. Here's another good one:

[anthony]

Thanks for posting those videos. They really adressed some issues I've been having with feeling stuck on my downswing.

[Rexx]

Well, your head dips slightly just before you reach the top of your backswing. It's hard to tell from the face on view, but when you dip it, you actually look like you get into a slightly better posture. Your initial setup looks a little too upright (a down-the-line view would help).

Anyways, what others said about getting the lower body a bit more active in the swing would be good -- nothing too crazy. But, as is, you do a good job of keeping your hands ahead or at least even with the club head through impact. Nice rhythm and tempo throughout the swing. The balance is decent and a little more lower body should help to get the weight to the left side earlier in the downswing.

P.S. Is that a Yuengling?

[cstorms]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I haven't really had any lessons so I am trying to pick things up as I go along.

No that wasn't a Yuengling unfortunately... haha

Here is a video from behind, hopefully I can get some more tips. Thanks again for the help.

[James_Black]

Try to make a full follow through, have you seen the pro's? Look at how they rotate the whole way to the target AND HOLD that position.

Try make a full follow through and hold that position, you turn around 3/4 of the way, it looks like a pretty consistent swing you've got though, make a few changes and you'll get more distance.

[shortstop20]

I honestly don't think your head dip is hurting your swing. Some of the best ball strikers the game has ever seen have dipped there head more than that. I think the most important thing is that it's not moving all over just prior to impact, which yours is not.

[Tomassi]

A question for you. You said that you haven't had any lessons and you're just picking things up as you go along. Why is this? I can speak from personal experience that getting lessons is the best way to go about improving your swing and game. It's all fine and dandy to get tips and stuff from people on this site and youtube, but how can your trust what these people are saying to you? Do you know if they're certified? Are they explaining things so that you understand based on your learning style?

I did this for a few years and took advice from people at the driving ranges but really, they screwed me up even more. I would really looking into getting your swing analyzed by somone with certification. It will help you from stop guessing what's wrong with your swing and identify the things you need to improve on. Chances are there might be one or two things you actually need to work on.

For example, you asked a question about your head dipping and now people are pointing out other things in your swing that seem wrong. Now you will be thinking about all these comments and filling your head with more swing thoughts!

[Deryck Griffith]

Your swing plane is actually pretty good! Like what others have mentioned, your swing is very armsy and the head dip I don't think is an issue. You need more rotation around the core of your body. First, when you start your backswing, you should feel like you are pushing forward with you right foot (similar to a baseball pitcher). That will help you to activate your core area. Also, try buying a medicine ball (or if you go to the gym, use one there) and practice moving the ball with you arms all the way to the right to a full throw while standing laterally to a wall or to a person standing 5-10 feet away from you.. Doing this will really force you to rotate your hips to thorw the ball effectively and that motion is what you need with your swing. You can do the same thing with throwing a brick the same way onto grass.

[cstorms]

A question for you. You said that you haven't had any lessons and you're just picking things up as you go along. Why is this? I can speak from personal experience that getting lessons is the best way to go about improving your swing and game. It's all fine and dandy to get tips and stuff from people on this site and youtube, but how can your trust what these people are saying to you? Do you know if they're certified? Are they explaining things so that you understand based on your learning style?

I have had 2 or 3 lessons in the past and I learned a lot. The only problem is I can't afford to take consistent lessons. It is free and easy to post videos on here, so why not? Most of the responses so far have been extremely helpful. There are a few obvious problems with my swing that I didn't notice until they were pointed out. I really don't care if anyone on here is "certified," I'm happy with the responses so far and I encourage more. Thanks!

[saevel25]

Lessons are nice, but they are only needed when you have a severe issue you cant figure out. Alot of great golfers were taught the game early but worked out there swings on there own, but they do have a template of someone they emulated. Its good to find a golfer who is the same size and build as use and look to see how they swing.

As for the head dropping, there are a few things that can cause that. Poor weight shift in the backswing, not enough, wil cause you to weight shift to the right in the downswing, this can driver your head back and down. Also loosing your spine angle through the downswing can do it. Have someone go out on the range with you and hold your head as you take half shots. You can start getting the feeling of keeping your head still.