Help please-‘coming over the top’

3offTheTee

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OK, a little background first:

Aged late 60’s was down to 12 just over 3 years ago and reached 21 this week. Highly embarrassing!Had slight hip problems which means I do not have a full shoulder turn and my drive goes around 180 yards.

I have been for lessons but continually come ‘over the top’. Watched videos on You Tube but nothing seems to work.

Naturally I have a slice.

Any SIMPLE tips would really be appreciated.

Many thanks
 

merv79

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Its likely that nothing seems to work because physical limitations are inhibiting you

As you have mentioned about fitness issues, I think the first thing you should do is have a TPI assessment or something similar, to ensure that you have the necessary mobility/stability required.
 

clubchamp98

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I have had a very similar thing.
I injured my left ankle and can’t shift my weight onto my left side at transition.
This has led to a massive over the top.

My pro has sorted me out by dropping my hands at the top (al a .Sergio) it’s got me more in to out.
Still have the odd one but it’s much better.
You do need fitness to play to a good standard but time and patience is the key.
good luck finding a solution but it can be done!
 

bobmac

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If you are a normal slicer you are out to in and clubface open at impact.

You could spend hours and hours practicing the headcover drill which would improve your swing path but I'm guessing that doesn't appeal.
So here's a much easier fix......

The most natural thing for you is to swing over the top and out to in through impact so don't change it.

Change your aim.

If your swing path is naturally 20yds left, aim 20 yds right. (for a right hander)
That way, your natural out to in swing path will now be straight without 'fixing it'.

You may also need to change your grip slightly so the clubface is square to the path at impact.

Basically, what you are doing is aiming right and hitting a deliberate pull down the middle. :)

Aim right, strengthen the grip, job done.

HTH
 

3offTheTee

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The physical issues are not too bad. I usually goi to the gym 2/3 times a week going on a cross trainer.

The main problem is if I sit in a chair and turn my left knee over my right knee it is at 90 degrees whereas if I do it the other way it is only 45 degrees so the problem is obviously mobility inmy right hip.
 

3offTheTee

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Bob

Thanks for you help. This is basically what I was doing last season. However because my right leg is not coming through I was basically ‘wrenching’ my side which meant 2/3 painkillers per round. After each game I could hardly walk so I changed to an open stance.

Not averse to the clubhead cover drill.
 

3offTheTee

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Looked at that video and seems good. The problem is that because of my lack of suppleness my elbow is hitting first.

However if I keep trying slowly it may improve.

Cheers
 

chrisd

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Just an idea

Go into your garden with, say, an 8 iron. Find (If you have any) a daisy and swing your club to chop the head off. I think you'll find that you don't come over the top to do it. If it works try and find more and practice that swing and that's the practice swing just before the real one - chop the head off a daisy.
 

Mozza73

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Is your backswing quite flat ? Its much harder to drop the arms and hands into the slot from a flat backswing,

If so try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq_BzCIJ1Sw

I'm not saying launch yourself into the A-swing but I think the principle that steepening the backswing and keeping the clubhead outside the hands makes it much easier to transition to a shallow downswing.

It's been working very well for me recently.
 

virtuocity

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I think Bob's idea is really sound. If you can't physically change path, then you need to change face at impact. Play for a pull all day long.
 

3offTheTee

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I think Bob's idea is really sound. If you can't physically change path, then you need to change face at impact. Play for a pull all day long.

Great comment and Bobs idea is spot on . The problem was that because I am not following through too good and am all arms I was basically pulling round which was causing more problems for my back
 

virtuocity

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Seems most suggestions are falling under the 'great idea, but I can't physically manage that' category.

Seems to me that you need to address your physical limitations (GP signposting to physios, back specialists etc- osteopaths do some amazing things) first as if you cant manage to swing a club around your body, then this must be affecting other areas of your life.

In the meantime, unless you can physically manage to change, you just need to aim left, and cut that ball 180 into the fairway. You can play a nice pull with an open stance mind, but you'll need to change your grip and/or release. I'm not convinced that your body will let you pound away 1000 balls at the range to work on this though.

Health first, then work on high bombing draws second!

Just another wee thought- have you checked out Brian Sparks on YouTube? Interesting videos, particularly those with lack of flexibility and range of movement.

Good luck- hope it all works out.
 
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