Over the top is one of the most common swing faults in golf.
It’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Most advice treats over the top as something to fix.
In reality, it’s usually a symptom of a deeper problem in how the swing is powered and perceived.
Why Over the Top Shows Up
Golfers don’t swing over the top because they want to.
They do it because the brain has been instructed to move in a way that makes sense given the power they have available.
When base power is weak or misunderstood, the body compensates.
Over the top is that compensation.
Common Mechanical Patterns (Not Root Causes)
There are several mechanical traits commonly associated with over-the-top swings:
- Chest opening too early in the downswing
- Poor hip rotation in the backswing
- Getting stuck on the trail foot
- Dragging the hands aggressively toward the ball
These are real patterns, but they’re not the origin of the problem.
They are reactions to something missing earlier in the motion.
The Real Issue: Power Is Missing
Most over-the-top swings lack a clear power protocol.
Without speed from the inside, the body has no option but to:
- Go directly at the ball
- Shorten the swing arc
- Add steepness late
This creates a downward, outside path that feels “strong” but produces weak shots.
Ironically, the harder golfers try to control this, the worse it gets.
Perception: The Intention to Hit the Ball
One of the biggest contributors to over the top is the intention to hit the golf ball.
When the brain focuses on the ball as the target of force:
- The swing arc collapses
- The club travels on a short, steep path
- Centrifugal force is never allowed to build
The result is a motion that looks aggressive but lacks speed and efficiency.
Why Fixing Doesn’t Work
Trying to fix over the top usually means:
- Adding positions
- Holding angles
- Slowing the swing down
This often reduces speed even further and creates more compensation.
Over the top isn’t something you fix.
It’s something you replace.
Replacement, Not Correction
When a golfer learns how to generate power from the inside, several things change automatically:
- The swing arc lengthens
- The club begins traveling away from the target early
- Speed increases without added effort
Over the top disappears because it’s no longer needed.
The body doesn’t fight the swing when power is present.
Start With the Foundation
If you struggle with over the top, the most important question isn’t:
“How do I stop doing it?”
It’s:
“Where is my power coming from?”
Until that’s answered, mechanical changes won’t hold.
When base power improves, the swing organizes itself.
That’s when over the top stops being a problem.
Check out the Forgotten Master Moves homepage here.
In the FMM Academy I teach differnt patterns and it’s all about fit – has it’s overview page here.