When you watch a pro golfer start down from the top of their swing, you’ll see them fire their hips as they unleash all of the potential energy created during the backswing. This uncoiling is what creates power and allows them to generate so much of it.
The move looks rather simple when executed correctly. The likes of Fred Couples and Ernie Els do it so well that it appears they aren’t even trying to swing hard. But in reality, the power they create is a result of moving every component in the swing in just the right order.
This order — known as sequencing — needs to be executed to perfection if you want to swing with maximum efficiency. And one of the key ways you can perfect this sequencing is by focusing on firing your hips during the downswing.
GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Malizia explains how in the video below.
The key to proper hip turn
One phrase you might’ve heard in golf instruction is to “fire your hips.” And while it’s true that you need to fire — or turn — your hips hard from the top of the swing, you should do so with the correct sequencing in mind.
When golfers hear the term “fire the hips,” they’ll oftentimes just turn from the top of the swing as quickly as they can. Fast hips can be a good thing for generating power, but you can’t let them get too far ahead of your upper body when doing so.
“What you’ll see from a Tour player when they get to the top and start down, by the time the lead arm gets parallel to the ground, their hips are square to slightly closed,” Malizia says. “It’s at this point that they roatate.”
Recreational players get in trouble when they fire their hips too soon and outrace their arms to the ball. When this happens, it throws the clubhead well outside the proper swing plane and creates a steep path.
To combat this, try to feel like you are keeping your hips closed for a tick longer during the downswing. Allow your arms to drop down toward the ball and then when you get your lead arm about parallel with the ground, you can fully uncoil and turn hard through impact.
“Sequence will help you be more consistent and maximize your game,” Malizia says.
