Driver Vs Iron: What You've Been Taught About The Downswing Is Wrong!
Mike Granato and Shaun Webb from Athletic Motion Golf analyze 3D Gears data comparing driver and 7-iron downswings. They dispel common downswing myths, explaining why tour players' spines pull away from the ball, how the trail arm lowers to shallow the club, and why lag is fundamentally distinct from shaft lean at impact.
Spine movement in transition involves pulling away from the ball via posterior pelvic tilt and upper-body hollowing (the 'cat stretch').
The trail arm lowers more during transition than it lifted during the backswing, naturally shallowing the club without force.
Lag (wrist hinge) is NOT shaft lean; holding onto wrist hinge prevents proper launch and reduces clubhead speed.
Optimal 7-iron shaft lean at impact is roughly 6° to 8°, allowing the clubhead to unhinge and release energy into the ball.
Driver hips move slightly less forward than iron hips because of a wider stance and the need to brace against the lead leg.
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