Over The Top

Article by Dr Larry Callaway

BIO - Specific Chiropractic Center - Dr Callaway Blog

Besides being an attitude about getting onto the golf course, watching the golf channel and tweeting about golf, over-the-top is one of the more common swing errors that is seen with amateur golfers.  The club head will be flung outside of the borders of the initial swing plane with the head of the club reaching the ball from outside in approach.  This can lead to the either a pull or a slice depending upon how the club head is faced when it hits the ball.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

• Over utilizing the upper body during the initiation of the downswing
• Poor or lack of Rotation of the lower body and upper body as individual units.
• Weak Gluteal Muscles
• Poor Balance

WHAT IS DONE TO FIX IT?

• To improve your gluteal muscles start with bridges
• To improve your balance start with single leg balancing near a wall for added support.
  • When you get good at eyes open single leg balance move to single leg.
• To improve over utilization of the upper body you must begin to get into rhythm.
  • One way to do this is swing your club at a target on a mat controlled with your tempo into your back swing two second, two second swing back and forth several times to get a consistent feel.
  • A second way to do this is contact your local PGA or LPGA teaching professional.
• To improve rotation you must first be able to separate your lower body rotation from your upper body rotation.
  • This can be done by looking in a mirror, bend at the back like you are going to hit a 5 or 6 iron, and move your torso without your belt buckle moving….10 to 15 times
  • Relax
  • Return to the start position and keep your torso still and rotate your belt buckle from right to left.

Over the top and coming out of the zone can be a simple correction when you implement proper muscle patterns and improving your balance.  Good Luck.
as always consult your teaching professional or medical practitioner before starting or If you have symptoms.