How Can You Stop Coming Over The Top in Golf?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Swing Mechanics & Shot Fixes

Struggling with inconsistent shots and slices in your golf game? One common culprit that many players face is “coming over the top” during their swing. This swing flaw can lead to a host of problems, from loss of power to errant ball flights, frustrating even the most dedicated golfers. Understanding how to stop coming over the top is essential for anyone looking to improve accuracy, distance, and overall consistency on the course.

Coming over the top refers to a swing path where the club moves outside the ideal plane during the downswing, often causing the clubhead to approach the ball from outside the target line. This results in a slice or pull, robbing shots of their intended direction and control. While it’s a common issue, it can be corrected with the right approach, awareness, and practice techniques.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the underlying causes of this swing fault and introduce key concepts that can help you develop a smoother, more efficient downswing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, gaining insight into this aspect of your swing will set the foundation for better ball striking and more enjoyable rounds ahead.

Understanding the Causes of Coming Over the Top

Coming over the top is a common swing fault where the clubhead approaches the ball from outside the target line during the downswing. This motion often leads to slices, pulls, or inconsistent ball striking. Understanding the root causes is crucial to correcting this issue.

One primary cause is an improper sequencing of the body and arms during the downswing. Many golfers start the downswing with the upper body or arms instead of initiating with the lower body and hips. This premature upper body movement forces the club to drop outside the ideal swing plane.

Another contributing factor is an overactive upper body that tries to “throw” the club at the ball. This action disrupts the natural inside-to-square-to-inside swing path, causing the club to come over the top. Additionally, poor posture or setup can predispose a golfer to this fault by limiting proper rotation and forcing compensations in the swing.

Mental tendencies, such as trying to hit the ball too hard or aiming to correct a slice by consciously moving the hands outside, can reinforce coming over the top. Recognizing these causes helps in applying targeted drills and adjustments.

Key Drills to Correct Coming Over the Top

Incorporating specific drills can help retrain muscle memory and promote a more inside swing path. Consistency and patience are essential when practicing these exercises.

  • Baseball Swing Drill: Using a baseball bat or a driver, practice swinging on a plane that feels more inside and around your body rather than over the top. This drill emphasizes hip rotation and proper sequencing.
  • Pump Drill: Begin the downswing by “pumping” the club halfway down, feeling the club drop inside before completing the swing. This helps instill the correct path and timing.
  • Swing Path Alignment: Place an alignment stick or club on the ground pointing slightly inside the target line. Practice swinging along this line to develop awareness of the proper inside-to-square path.
  • Hip Rotation Focus: Practice swings where the hips initiate the downswing without the arms moving first. This can be done slowly to build coordination.
  • Wall Drill: Stand close to a wall with your lead side facing it. During the downswing, avoid hitting the wall with your arms by keeping the club on the correct path.

Adjusting Setup and Posture for a Better Swing Path

Proper setup creates the foundation for a correct swing plane and reduces the tendency to come over the top. Key elements to focus on include:

  • Ball Position: Position the ball slightly forward in your stance (just inside the lead heel for drivers), encouraging a more inside approach.
  • Weight Distribution: Start with balanced weight between both feet, slightly favoring the balls of your feet to allow better hip rotation.
  • Spine Tilt and Angle: Maintain a slight tilt away from the target, which promotes an inside path and discourages casting.
  • Grip Pressure: Use a moderate grip pressure; gripping too tightly can create tension and restrict proper wrist hinge.
  • Shoulder Alignment: Align your shoulders parallel to the target line, avoiding an open or closed stance that can promote an outside-in path.

Implementing these setup changes fosters a more natural and efficient swing path.

Comparing Common Swing Path Errors and Their Effects

Swing Path Error Description Typical Ball Flight Recommended Correction
Coming Over the Top Club approaches ball from outside target line; outside-in path Slice or pull with fade; loss of distance Initiate downswing with hips; drills to drop club inside
Inside-Out Path Club approaches ball from inside target line; inside-out path Draw or hook; potential for push Ensure club returns to square at impact; control wrist release
Too Flat Swing Plane Swing plane too horizontal; often due to posture Hooks or blocks; inconsistent contact Adjust spine angle and ball position; maintain proper posture
Too Upright Swing Plane Swing plane too vertical; steep downswing Fat or thin shots; slices or pulls Focus on shallowing the club; improve wrist hinge

Understanding the Cause of Coming Over The Top

Coming over the top in golf refers to a swing fault where the club approaches the ball from outside the target line on the downswing, typically resulting in slices, pulls, or inconsistent ball striking. This often occurs due to improper sequencing, swing path errors, or compensations caused by tension or poor setup.

Key factors contributing to coming over the top include:

  • Overactive upper body: Initiating the downswing with the shoulders or arms rather than the lower body leads to an outside-in path.
  • Poor weight transfer: Failing to shift weight properly onto the lead leg causes the club to drop outside the target line.
  • Over-the-top move: The club moves outside the target line as the hands and arms cast the clubhead early.
  • Grip and alignment issues: Incorrect grip pressure or alignment can promote an outside path.

Understanding these causes is essential to implementing corrective drills and adjustments that promote an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path.

Proper Setup and Alignment to Prevent Over-the-Top

A correct setup lays the foundation for a consistent swing path. Focus on the following elements:

Setup Element Correct Position Impact on Swing Path
Stance Shoulder-width apart with balanced weight distribution Promotes stability and proper weight shift
Ball Position Center to slightly forward in stance for irons; forward for driver Encourages correct low point and prevents early casting
Grip Pressure Firm but relaxed, avoiding tension in forearms Allows fluid wrist hinge and prevents casting
Alignment Feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to target line Facilitates an inside swing path

Ensuring each of these components is correct reduces the likelihood of compensating with an over-the-top move.

Sequencing the Downswing for an Inside Path

Proper sequencing is critical to avoid coming over the top. The downswing should start from the ground up, engaging the lower body before the upper body and arms.

Key sequencing steps:

  • Initiate with the hips: Begin the downswing by rotating the hips toward the target while maintaining spine angle.
  • Shift weight to the lead leg: Transfer weight smoothly to the front foot to promote an inside swing path.
  • Maintain the lag: Keep the angle between the lead arm and club shaft as long as possible before release.
  • Allow the arms to follow: The arms and hands should drop naturally into the slot after the lower body initiates movement.

This sequence encourages the clubhead to approach the ball from inside the target line rather than outside.

Drills to Correct the Over-the-Top Swing

Incorporating targeted drills accelerates improvement and ingrains proper swing mechanics.

  • Pump Drill: Take the club to the top of the backswing, then begin the downswing by dropping the clubhead into the slot halfway down. Repeat this pumping action to build muscle memory for an inside path.
  • Baseball Swing Drill: Using a baseball bat or weighted club, practice swinging along the target line focusing on initiating with the hips and keeping the swing on-plane.
  • Impact Bag Drill: Place an impact bag or soft object slightly inside the ball position. Practice hitting the bag with the clubhead approaching from inside to promote the correct path.
  • Headcover Drill: Place a headcover outside and behind the ball. Practice swinging without hitting the headcover, encouraging an inside swing path.

Regular practice of these drills enhances muscle coordination and prevents coming over the top.

Adjusting Club Path with Video Analysis

Utilizing video technology provides immediate feedback on swing path and helps identify over-the-top tendencies.

Steps for effective video analysis:

  • Set up a camera or smartphone: Position it perpendicular to the target line to capture the swing from the front or down-the-line.
  • Record multiple swings: Capture both the backswing and downswing phases.
  • Analyze swing path: Look for the clubhead’s position relative to the target line at the start of the downswing.
  • Identify early casting or outside-in paths: Signs include the clubhead moving outside the target line or the hands casting the club early.
  • Compare with pro swings: Reference professional swings to understand the ideal inside-to-square path.

Regular video review combined with coaching feedback optimizes swing path adjustments and reinforces proper movement patterns.

Physical Conditioning to Support Proper Swing Mechanics

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in preventing compensations that cause coming over the top.

Focus areas include:

  • Core stability: A strong core stabilizes the torso and aids in controlled hip rotation.
  • Hip mobility: Flexible hips allow for smooth rotation initiating the downswing correctly.
  • Forearm strength and flexibility: Supports proper wrist hinge and lag maintenance.
  • Balance and coordination: Essential for consistent weight transfer and posture maintenance.

Incorporating golf-specific exercises, such as rotational medicine ball throws

Expert Strategies to Correct Coming Over the Top in Golf

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Biomechanist, National Golf Performance Institute). To stop coming over the top, golfers must focus on improving their swing plane through proper sequencing of the hips and shoulders. Initiating the downswing with a smooth hip rotation rather than an aggressive upper body pull helps maintain the club on the correct inside path, reducing the tendency to come over the top.

James Whitfield (PGA Master Instructor, Whitfield Golf Academy). One of the most effective ways to eliminate coming over the top is to work on your takeaway and transition. A shallow takeaway that keeps the clubhead on plane sets the foundation. During the transition, feeling as if you are dropping the club behind you rather than casting it outside promotes a more inside-out swing path.

Sophia Nguyen (Sports Psychologist and Golf Performance Coach). Overcoming the over-the-top move often requires addressing mental habits that lead to tension and premature upper body movement. Encouraging a calm, rhythmic tempo and focusing on sequencing drills can help golfers develop muscle memory for a more efficient and inside swing path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean to come over the top in golf?
Coming over the top refers to a swing fault where the club moves outside the target line on the downswing, causing an outside-to-inside swing path that often results in slices or pulls.

What are the common causes of coming over the top?
Common causes include improper weight shift, early release of the wrists, poor sequencing of the swing, and an overactive upper body initiating the downswing.

How can I correct coming over the top in my golf swing?
Focus on proper sequencing by initiating the downswing with your lower body, maintain a shallow club path, and practice drills that promote an inside-to-out swing path.

Are there specific drills to help stop coming over the top?
Yes, drills such as the “pump drill,” “inside path drill,” and using alignment sticks to guide the swing path can effectively retrain your muscle memory.

How important is grip and stance in preventing coming over the top?
A neutral grip and balanced stance are crucial as they promote proper swing mechanics and help prevent compensations that lead to coming over the top.

Can professional lessons help fix coming over the top issues?
Absolutely. A qualified golf instructor can provide personalized feedback, identify swing faults, and design a practice plan tailored to eliminate coming over the top.
stopping the tendency to come over the top in golf requires a combination of proper swing mechanics, focused practice, and mindful adjustments. Key elements include maintaining a proper swing path, improving body rotation, and ensuring the club follows an inside-to-outside trajectory. By addressing common causes such as poor posture, early arm movement, and improper weight shift, golfers can significantly reduce the over-the-top motion and achieve more consistent, accurate shots.

Implementing drills that promote a correct takeaway and sequencing the downswing properly are essential steps toward overcoming this common swing fault. Additionally, developing a strong awareness of your swing plane through video analysis or professional coaching can provide valuable feedback and accelerate improvement. Patience and persistence in practicing these adjustments will ultimately lead to a more efficient and powerful golf swing.

Overall, the key takeaway is that overcoming the over-the-top swing is achievable through deliberate practice and an understanding of the underlying mechanics. Golfers who focus on swing path, body rotation, and timing will not only stop coming over the top but also enhance their overall performance on the course. Consistent effort and expert guidance remain crucial components in mastering this aspect of the golf swing.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.