HOW TO (NOT) KEEP THE HEAD DOWN in the golf swing

Shawn Clement debunks the common myth of 'keeping your head down,' explaining how it restricts C-spine rotation and sabotages power. Featuring high-speed demonstrations from long-drive specialists, the lesson highlights how allowing the head to pivot enables a full 90-degree shoulder turn and a clean release toward the target.

• Allow the head to rotate during the backswing to facilitate a full 90-degree shoulder turn.
• Keeping the head down restricted to the ball often causes a 'chicken wing' finish because it blocks the trail arm's path.
• The head should stay behind the ball at impact to anchor the release but must rotate through to the target in the follow-through.
• Jack Nicklaus’s famous head turn was essential for his power and range of motion.
• A strong grip is recommended to help keep the clubface square while allowing for a free, athletic pivot.

Go deeper

• Sword Drill — Every coach who teaches it
• Distance loss — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss
• Shoulder turn — The lesson, across every coach
• Shawn Clement's Wisdom in Golf Lessons — Every video, sorted by what it teaches