Shallowing
Also known as: dropping into the slot, laying the shaft flat
Shallowing is when the club shaft flattens (becomes more horizontal) in the early downswing, allowing it to approach the ball from inside the target line for a powerful, in-to-out delivery.
Shallowing is the opposite of coming over the top and is a hallmark of elite ball-strikers. As the lower body initiates the downswing, gravity and a passive upper body let the shaft drop below the backswing plane. This creates a flatter, inside-out path window and preserves lag. Actively trying to shallow can make things worse — it is usually a result of correct sequencing, not a standalone move.
Example
A player's shaft flattens from vertical to nearly horizontal at the top, then approaches the ball from inside — this is natural shallowing from a good transition.
Related terms
- Over the TopOver the top means the downswing starts by throwing the club outside the backswing plane, producing an out-to-in path that causes pulls, pull-slices, and loss of distance.
- TransitionThe transition is the moment the swing changes direction from backswing to downswing. How the body initiates this moment determines sequencing, lag, and the resulting club path.
- LagLag is the acute angle between the lead arm and the shaft in the downswing — the loaded position that releases into club speed at impact when timed correctly.
- In-to-OutAn in-to-out club path means the clubhead is moving to the right of the target line through impact (for a right-hander). It is the draw and hook path — the opposite of over the top.
- 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.
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into your swing
SwingVantage can spot this in your own swing — free to start.