Why MOST Amateur Golfers Can't Stay Down In The Downswing

Jonathan Chown (JChownGolf) breaks down the primary reason amateur golfers struggle with early extension: improper hip movement. He demonstrates how losing hip depth in the backswing and firing the right hip forward in the downswing forces the body out of posture, providing a practical alignment stick drill to master pelvic rotation.

• Maintain hip depth by moving the right hip back during the backswing rather than letting it drift toward the ball.
• Lead the downswing with the non-dominant (lead) side by pulling the left hip back toward the heel to create flexion.
• Avoid firing the right hip toward the ball, as this gets the arms stuck and causes the upper body to stand up.
• Use an alignment stick through your belt loops to ensure the hips are moving 'back and around' instead of sliding forward.

Go deeper

• Belt Loop Alignment Stick Drill — Every coach who teaches it
• Wild swings — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss
• Hip rotation — The lesson, across every coach
• JChownGolf — Every video, sorted by what it teaches