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Buttitta: A key to a good swing: staying in sequence
STORY TOOLS 
More from Golf TipsThe golf swing is a series of complicated moves that must be performed in sequence. The key words here are "in sequence."
Most golfers can learn to make a decent backswing. But it is the very next move, the start of the downswing, that is most crucial and often out of sequence.
This one swing flaw contributes to most of the errant shots and keeps handicaps high.
The start of the downswing begins with a weight shift onto the left foot (for right-handers), followed almost simultaneously by the arms and hands.
But make no mistake, the lower body must lead. The weight shift refers only to the lower body.
This one simple move pulls the arms/hands assembly into a position to release the club from the inside.
If you start down with the upper body first, you are "over the top," which usually cuts across the target line causing the player to slice.
You have five-hundredths of a second to change direction and start down correctly.
All of this, of course, is done with a rock-steady head position. Any movement of the head to the left destroys timing and sequence. Your head should not move until after impact.
— Joe Buttitta is a PGA professional at Westlake Golf Course. He can be reached at 208-1467 or by email at igolfsopaw@roadrunner.com.
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