A Better Golf Swing Starts With the Right Sequence

Consistent ball striking depends on how the parts of your swing work together, not on forcing the club through a set of picture-perfect positions. Top 50 Coach James Jankowski explains that the motion begins from the ground up: the lower body initiates the change of direction, the torso follows, then the arms bring the club through. As each section slows, the next one can speed up and pass energy along to the ball.

Jankowski recommends the step drill to help golfers feel that order. During the backswing, make a small move toward the trail side. Before the club finishes going back, step toward the target side so the lower body can begin the downswing. The club should be the final part to gather speed. He also suggests making several swings continuously or striking balls without restarting each time, which can sharpen awareness of the motion.

There is another important piece: slowing down matters too. The body should reduce its speed before contact, while the club slows after the strike so the golfer can regain balance. That combination helps create a repeatable impact pattern instead of chasing maximum clubhead speed all the way to the finish. Jankowski says better sequencing can produce more centered contact and, eventually, lower scores.