First Move Down (Starting the Downswing)
Also known as: first move down, first move in the downswing, start the downswing, starting the downswing, hip bump, what starts the downswing
In most good swings, the lower body starts the downswing. Pressure moves into the lead foot and the hips shift slightly toward the target while the upper body finishes the backswing. Then the hips and chest turn, and the arms and club follow.
The first move down is often called the transition. A small shift of the lead hip toward the target, sometimes called a hip bump, moves pressure into the lead foot. That sets up a turn around the lead side.
When the lower body leads, the arms drop down in front of the body and the club can approach from inside. When the shoulders or arms start first, the club usually moves outside the hands and comes over the top.
The bump is small. Too much becomes a slide, where the hips drift past the lead foot and stop turning. Think of a short shift followed by a strong turn.
Tips by skill level
Pause at the top of practice swings. Start down by shifting pressure into your lead foot, then turn.
On a pressure plate, the shift into the lead foot usually begins before the club reaches the top. If your pressure moves after the arms start down, your sequence is late.
Example
He starts every downswing with his shoulders and slices. His coach has him feel his lead hip move a few inches toward the target before he turns, and his path moves inside.
Why it matters
The first move down sets the order of everything after it. A lower-body start gives the arms time and room to deliver the club from inside.
Common mistakes
- Starting with the shoulders or arms
- Bumping so far that the hips slide past the lead foot
- Rushing the move from the top
- Thinking about the hands instead of the pressure shift
Frequently asked questions
What is a hip bump in the golf swing?
A hip bump is a small move of the lead hip toward the target at the start of the downswing. It shifts pressure into the lead foot before the hips turn. Too much becomes a slide.
Should my arms or hips start the downswing?
Most coaches teach that the lower body leads. If the arms or shoulders start first, the club tends to move outside and come over the top.
Related terms
- TransitionThe transition is the moment the swing changes direction from backswing to downswing. How the body starts this moment determines sequencing, lag, and the resulting club path.
- Lateral ShiftA lateral shift is a small move of the hips toward the target as the downswing starts. It moves the low point forward and works with hip rotation instead of replacing it.
- Kinematic SequenceThe kinematic sequence is the order in which body segments accelerate and decelerate during the downswing: pelvis → torso → lead arm → clubhead. Each segment slingshots the next for maximum speed.
- Over the TopOver the top means the downswing starts by throwing the club outside the backswing plane. This produces an out-to-in path that causes pulls, pull-slices, and loss of distance.
- Lower-Body SlideA lower-body slide is excessive sideways movement of the hips toward the target in the downswing, without matching rotation. It pushes the swing's low point too far forward and leaves the upper body behind.
Related guides & benchmarks
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