Proper Golf Swing Sequence

This Golf Tips A2Z article explains the proper golf swing sequence of each segment of an efficient golf swing.

The segments of the swing are as follows: 1) Waggle; 2) Forward Press; 3) Backswing; 4) Downswing ; and 5) Follow Through.

Below is golf swing instruction on the sequence for each of these golf swing segments to help you improve your golf swing.

Master each segment. Master the swing. Master the game.

The Proper Golf Swing Sequence

• Standard Waggle: The sequence for the waggle is a pressing of the hands forward, followed by a cocking of the wrist that takes the club away from the ball, and then a forward mini-swing towards the ball. The movement of the club in the waggle is entirely a result of hand movement. All other body parts are still.

• Waggle Variation: Some pro golfers will rehearse the takeaway or take the club back to 9:00 o'clock before making a swing. This would be a more involved waggle.

Proper Golf Swing Sequence for the Forward Press: Some pro golfers use the forward press to initiate their swing.

• Standard Forward Press: The forward press is simply the pressing of the hands forward in front of the ball before taking a backswing. This press involves only the movement of the hands forward.

• Press Variation 1: Some pro golfers press their back knee forward a bit as they press their hands.

• Press Variation 2: Some efficient golf swings are achieved without using a forward press. Though, I recommend it to take the jerk out of your swing.
  • See the link for more info on the forward press and how to take the jerk out of your swing

Proper Golf Swing Sequence for the Backswing: The backswing starts by moving the club away from the ball and stops with the club above the back shoulder.

• Upper Body: The backswing begins with a simultaneous movement of the hands, arms, and shoulders. Next there is a rotation of the hip. The wrists gradually cock throughout the swing. All of these parts should stop their movement at the same time with the golfer's back facing the target.

• Lower Body: The lower body sequence for the backswing involves a movement of the front knee and a roll of the front foot towards the golf ball at about the same time that the hip begins to turns. The heel of the front foot comes slightly off the ground at the end of the backswing. The back leg never moves remaining bent.

• Variations: Some golf efficient swings leave the front foot planted on the ground, never rolling the front foot or lifting the heel of the front foot. Also some golf efficient swings minimize the cocking of the wrist.

Proper Golf Swing Sequence for the Downswing: The downswing starts with the club above the back shoulder and finishes at impact.

• Upper Body: The forward swing begins with a turning of the hip and a lagging of the arms and shoulders. The arms and shoulders then begin to rotate towards the ball. Finally, as the hands approach the ball the wrists begin to uncock and rotate to square the club face for impact.

• Lower Body: At the time that the hip begins to turn the right knee moves down the target line away from the ball clearing so that the hip can turn. As the hands approach the ball, the back leg thrust your body weight to the front foot.

Proper Golf Swing Sequence for the Follow Through: The follow through starts at impact and finishes with the club above the front shoulder and the body facing the target.

• Upper Body: The arms continue through the ball down the target line and then above your lead shoulder as your hip and shoulders continue to turn. The arms, shoulders, and hips stop at roughly the same time with the chest facing down the target line.

• Lower Body: The back leg continues to transfer weight to the front leg through impact until the back heel has come off the ground and the back foot is resting on its toes at the end of the follow through. Through impact until the end of the follow through, the lead leg continues to straighten until it is without any bend and the lead foot rolls toward the target.

For additional Golf Tip A2Z golf swing instruction on the proper golf swing sequence see Golf Swing Sequence For Legs