Drop in the Slot: Maintaining the Angle

Many of you know the term: the slot. How do we maintain the slot or angle of attack?

Assuming you are in the proper position at the top of the swing, the next obvious move is the downswing. Just as obvious: we must maintain the connection, coordination and one-piece integrity of the swing by initiating the downswing through the core. When the core (lower body and hips) begins moving toward the target, your upper body (vertical plane, shoulders, club, arms and hands) drops at the same time. You have no choice. With the core beginning the downswing, the vertical swing drops in line, literally, and in coordination with the core. If your arms do not take over and attempt to hit the ball, you will retain angle and therefore speed, alignment and more.

It is that simple. The lower body movement drives the swing, literally. When I get a new student, even if that student is an accomplished player, I assess grip, alignment, stance and ball position, all the pre-swing priorities. Following that inspection comes the turn. If the turn is good, then the vertical swing. If that is good, then comes the coordination of these two parts. It was the same for me when I competed for my livelihood. As I received instruction, I moved up the line from money winner to tournament winner. My instructor never changed the points I just mentioned; we only became more refined. No matter who arrives at my range to take a lesson, the system is the same. Barring physical issues that are common and require adjustment, the good golf swing basics do not go away. Physics does not change.

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