OTT Lifer - My current OTT fix

[DallasDan]

8 handicap here. I have had an over the top swing for my entire golfing career...roughly 25 years. I've tried many drills and swing thoughts but nothing has ever worked. I'm anywhere from 8-15 degrees out to in on my swing as shown on my launch monitor. I'm always flipping my hands at the bottom of the swing to square up and gain a little more swing speed/distance. Always been a shortish hitter (7i 145-150 w/ strong GI lofts). 

 

Currently I have my swing path down to around 3-4 degrees out to in which "feels" like an in to out swing for me and producing stronger and more consistent shots. At the top of my swing I feel like I tend to pull the handle straight from Point A (the top) to Point B (the ball). Instead, I am now envisioning/feeling like I am swinging in a circular pattern that circles around/behind my right hip (right handed). Does this make sense to you instructors out there? I'm trying to figure out if this is a permanent fix or if it's just another one of those temporary fixes with a honeymoon stage. 

[me05501]

Disclaimer: I'm just a pilgrim on this path alongside you, but this is what I've noticed in popular instruction lately. 

 

For a long time the trend in teaching was "don't pull the handle" or "let it drop on its own." The more current understanding of the golf swing is that you *do* need to pull the handle, but definitely NOT toward the ball. The direction of the "pull" should be away from the target. Some people say it's like pulling an arrow out of a quiver on your back. I think that's a good image.

 

This sort of sounds like what you're describing...I think. 

 

 

[sprcoop]

Lately I've been using this Cogorno station setup to fix out to in path.  Hit 3 balls, review slo mo video.  Do that for about 9 balls then remove the stick that you will smack if you are over the top.  I hit 3 balls, review slo mo video.  Do that for about 9 balls, rinse, repeat.

 

I play about twice a month and hit the range about 4 times a month.  Had my best ball striking round for a long time last time out because of this station setup training.  You hit that stick a couple times and you will do whatever it takes to not come OTT. 

 

Just avoiding that stick had changed MANY things in my swing that to my untrained eye are all good. 

 

Much cleaner transition (club not waving around)

more shallowing early

less EE

less ballerina

more lag

lower trajectory

better smash factor

better distance control

more distance

better dispersion

no sh@&%ing

more finding the center of the club face

less fats/thins

 

YMMV

 

Edit: Monte's NTC is a good place to start (cast to 8 o'clock) is a good place to start not hitting that stick.

 

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by sprcoop