http://www.mytpi.com/improve-my-game/swing-characteristics/over-the-top_v2
An Over The Top swing fault is considered one of the most common swing faults. You will see this swing fault the most in high handicap golfers. The reason why is that they tend to generate swing speed in the downswing with their upper body. Due to the over dominance of the upper body their club tends to get pushed out of the desired swing plane. This poor swing plane causes the club head to approach the ball from a out-to-in motion which will cause the golf ball to pull if the clubface is square or slice if the clubface is left open.
What physical characteristics cause this swing fault?
The main factor that leads to coming over the top during the down swing is poor kinematic sequencing. Proper kinematic sequence is accomplished by initiating the down swing with the hips first then, middle back, shoulders, arms, hands, and club.
In order to get this sequence in the correct order the golfer has to have the physical ability to separate the movement of the lower body from the upper body during the down swing.
Other physical causes are:
- Reduced spine and hip mobility. The inability to create this needed motion causes limited pelvis to trunk rotation.
- Poor core stability. This is essential to maintain posture and trunk stability during the down swing. So any loss of posture due to these physical issues gives the golfer a flat shoulder plane or reverse spine angel forcing the downswing to be dominated by the arms in initiation of the downswing.
- Not having good bilateral strength and balance in your legs. This will limit the golfer’s ability to properly shift weight during the downswing. Not having the ability to shift weight to the lead leg reduces the body’s ability to produce power, so the golfer will use excessive upper body movement by chopping down or throwing the club over the top to generate speed.
Other contributing factors causing over the top during the golf swing are:
- Clubs that are too stiff or too heavy
- Too much rotation
- Poor address position with the shoulders too level
- Lack of understanding of kinematic sequence
If you are having trouble with swing faults come into Florida Sports Docs (FSD) and have our Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Performance Specialist evaluate your swing and take you through a TPI physical screen. We will design a individualized corrective exercises program that will get your game back on track!