Improving Ball Striking and Fixing Early Extension: A Critical Adjustment

Early extension is a common issue that many recreational golfers face during their downswing. This occurs when the pelvis moves towards the golf ball, resulting in a steep swing or arms getting stuck behind the body. To understand how elite players avoid early extension, it’s essential to focus on initiating the downswing by bumping the hips towards the target rather than the ball.
Elite golfers tend to avoid early extension by loading properly into their trail hip during the backswing. This involves rotating and moving the trail hip backward, creating a proper position for the downswing. The key move for curing early extension is to have the belt buckle move laterally and slightly back at the top of the backswing, keeping the hip closed longer as you shift weight to the lead side. This movement helps shallow the arms naturally and puts the golfer in an excellent position to deliver a solid stroke on the ball.
A common misconception when trying to avoid early extension is the need to push into the lead foot. However, the goal is simply to re-center the weight, allowing for a smoother transition in the downswing. By implementing this move correctly, golfers can keep the club on plane and improve their ball striking skills.
If you are struggling with early extension in your golf swing, focusing on the correct hip movement in transition can be beneficial. By bumping the hips towards the target and maintaining a proper position during the backswing, golfers can avoid early extension and become more consistent in their ball striking. Elite players demonstrate how shifting the weight and initiating the downswing correctly can lead to improved performance on the course.
Overall, understanding the key movements and positions that elite players use to avoid early extension can help recreational golfers improve their swing. By focusing on loading into the trail hip, initiating the downswing by bumping the hips towards the target, and keeping the club on plane, golfers can overcome early extension and become more skilled ball strikers. Implementing these techniques and focusing on proper hip movement can lead to a smoother swing and better results on the course.