"Over the top" or "In the slot": Golf Lesson by Herman Williams, PGA

For more golf training info go to: http://www.hermanwilliamsgolf.com
In this online video golf lesson, Herman Williams, PGA Professional at The Golf Academy in Raleigh, NC, explains how to avoid coming "over the top" in the downswing. Watch and get Hermanized as he defines coming "over the top", then explains what it means to be "in the slot." Herman reveals how players get caught outside the swing plane (over the top) on the downswing, then shows how to fix it while following along with one of his actual students taking a lesson. Hint: the secret is all about the "bump" and where you point the handle. Be sure to leave a comment with suggestions for future videos.

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[steven33068]

Hello Herman, you video is spot on as far as my condition. I am the classic over the top out of the slot amateur. I find your "bump" Lateral move is very helpful however I am now WAY behind the ball. I think it is due to a weak left arm and wrist coming through the ball. Do you have any tips to help with club-head lag? I am able to lag the club but i must think about it through the entire shot. The moment i try to focus on another aspect of my swing i start digging ditches again... :)

[hermanwilliamsgolf]

@steven33068 Glad you're figuring out the over-the-top move but sorry to hear you're hitting it fat. Sometimes this comes from being on a shallower plane from the inside that simply puts the clubhead closer to the ground than your old steep swing. Search on YouTube for "Herman Williams lag video" - at least 4 videos avail. The feeling you probably need is the sensation of jamming the butt of the club at the target as your hips are clearing thru impact. This will delay your divot.

[Excaliburxxxxxx]

Excellent video.

With just this simple change to my swing ive gone from lots of fades and slices to all straight shots and sllight draws....no slices for weeks.

[hermanwilliamsgolf]

@Excaliburxxxxxx Awesome! Thanks for commenting. - Herman

[ozstriker1984]

@hermanwilliamsgolf im confused Kevin looked like he was pushing the ball right was he coming too far from inside to out

Great tip definitely going to give it a try, its driving me nuts that i cant cure my over the top swing

[hermanwilliamsgolf]

@jtsimikas Based on your description being able to hook the ball, I would go with passive hands and turn left as soon as club is slotted. The difference for Tour players with amazing flexibility is they will start clearing right as the downswing starts & they are capable of still getting the club down in the slot. Most people however will go outside over the top trying to do the same thing. So slot it at all cost, then figure out blend of hands & hips. I like hooking it 1st, then learning hips.

[jtsimikas]

@hermanwilliamsgolf

Thank you for the quick reply.

So once I have the club in the slot should I feel like I have active hands or should the hands be passive?

Also, should I start firing (turning) the hips as soon as the club is slotted or does this happen before being slotted.

[hermanwilliamsgolf]

@jtsimikas Any time you begin altering your swing plane to something flatter or more inside, it increases the potential to strike the ground first. The club is simply moving to impact in a shallower approach path. You will need to find a way to increase your lag. First check to make sure you are not throwing the clubhead down behind you on a better path but uncocking too soon. Next, look at speeding up your hip rotation on the forward swing. Both ideas should create later divots.

[jtsimikas]

Hi Herman,

When I try to drop the club in the slot, I have a tendency to hit behind the ball, sometimes even 4 inches or more behind the ball. I don't feel like I am throwing the club, but once i get in the slot I think my hands may become very active and it feels like I might be thrusting the club with my right hand.

I do get me weight shift over to my left side, but somehow I still bottom out very early. I also tend to pull hook the ball. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[hermanwilliamsgolf]

@jruleiv1 I'm not sure where we disagree unless you didn't watch the video. I notice you left the same comment elsewhere on YouTube. In fact I mention that exact description in several other videos & would think most people would infer that here when I stated don't attempt to start down by turning or clearing the body. Most amateurs & many pros will definitely do best by keeping the back to target as arms drop (during the shifting phase mentioned here) followed by clearing once arms are slotted.