Over the top golf swing -

Over the Top is perhaps the most common swing fault among high handicap golfers. It occurs due to an overuse of the upper body on the downswing. As a result the club will be thrown on the outside of the intended swing plane with the club head approaching the ball from outside to in.

Alternate names

Outside – in golf swing
Slicing

Causes of Over the top golf swing

The over the top golf swing is very common amongst golfers because there is a natural tendency to hit the golf ball with predominately the upper body. In particular, your right shoulder and right arm want to release extra power and as a result, are forced out wide and then have to cut across the golf ball to make any sort of decent contact.

Golf Technique Deficiency

Poor grip: A weak grip or a palmy grip can cause the clubface to remain open during the swing.

Poor Setup Posture: An upright posture can make it difficult to bend forward from the hip joint, affecting the swing.

Improper arm and hip movements: The downswing path is too steep and outside-in, causing the club to approach the ball from an “over-the-top” angle

Drills to Fix the Issue

Underarm Drop In Drill
Prevents over-the-top swings by encouraging an inside path and proper arm sequencing.

Place an alignment stick under your trail armpit, letting it extend backward.
Take your normal golf stance and grip.
Make your backswing — at the top, the alignment stick should naturally touch your lead shoulder.
From this position, begin your downswing while keeping the stick in place.
Let your trail arm “drop in” rather than push over the top.
Repeat to ingrain the feeling of a shallower, inside-out path.

🎯 Goal: Eliminate over-the-top motion and promote a more efficient, on-plane downswing.

Trail Shoulder Under Drill
Encourages an inside-out swing path by training proper trail shoulder movement and tilt.

Set up in your normal golf stance.
As you begin your downswing, focus on driving your trail shoulder under your chin.
Maintain the tilt between your trail shoulder and hip — keep your trail shoulder facing downward through impact.
Finish your swing with that shoulder tilt intact, avoiding any upward or outward push.
This motion keeps the club on the inside and prevents the shoulder from leading an over-the-top move.

🎯 Goal: Promote an efficient inside path and eliminate over-the-top swings through better shoulder rotation and tilt.

Inside Gate Drill
Trains an inside-out swing path by using a visual barrier to prevent over-the-top moves.

Place a tee about 4 inches ahead of the golf ball and 2 inches inside (closer to you).
Take your normal stance and set up to the ball.
Make a normal backswing.
On the downswing, focus on avoiding the tee — this forces the club to approach the ball from the inside.
If you hit the tee, your path is too steep or over-the-top.
Repeat until you can consistently miss the tee while striking the ball cleanly.

🎯 Goal: Promote a shallow, inside-out path to eliminate over-the-top swings and improve ball flight.

Hula Hoop Path Drill
Trains a straighter takeaway and promotes proper arm extension during the backswing.

Hold a hula hoop with both hands and take your regular golf stance.
Begin your backswing by moving the hula hoop straight back, slightly away from your body.
Focus on extending your arms and guiding the hoop on a wide, neutral path.
Avoid pulling the hoop inside too early — the outward movement encourages a proper takeaway.
Repeat slowly to develop muscle memory for a straighter, more connected backswing.

🎯 Goal: Build a wide, on-plane takeaway and prevent early arm collapse or inside takeaway errors.

Hula Hoop Path Drill
Trains a proper inside-out swing path by using a visual guide for club path awareness.

Stick an alignment rod into the ground at about a 70-degree angle, mimicking your ideal swing plane.
Position it far enough beside you (away from the target line) so the clubhead can touch or brush it without interfering with your hands.
Take your normal golf stance and grip.
Swing back normally — allow the clubhead to pass under the stick on the way up.
On the downswing, guide the club back under the stick, avoiding any contact.
If the club hits the stick, your path is too steep or outside.ackswing.

🎯 Goal: Promote a shallower, inside-out swing path and reduce over-the-top movements.

Physical Limitations Contributing to the Error

Poor weight shift
When a golfer doesn’t shift their weight properly from their back foot to their front foot, they can overuse their upper body.

Limited hip mobility
Reduced mobility in the hips can make it difficult to separate the upper and lower body.

Weak core and lower body
A weak core and lower body can make it difficult to generate power and control the club.

Poor weight shift
When a golfer doesn’t shift their weight properly from their back foot to their front foot, they can overuse their upper body.

Exercises to Build Movement Capacity

Thoracic Rotations – Improves shoulder and spine mobility for proper turn.

Cable Woodchops – Builds core strength for better sequencing.

Single-leg Balance Drills – Enhances lower body stability for smoother transitions.

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

Shallow the club earlier in the downswing with a shorter backswing.
Focus on turning the chest later and using the legs to initiate downswing.
Practice in slow motion to train movement sequence without rushing.

Related Swing Errors

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

Reverse Spine Angle – Causes upper body to lead too early.
Poor trail arm position at the top – Promotes steep arm movement in the downswing.

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

Slicing the ball – Caused by an open clubface with outside-in path.
Loss of distance and compression – Weak contact due to glancing blows.

Tools and Training Aids

Swing Plane Trainer – Helps guide club on proper inside path.
Tour Striker PlaneMate – Provides resistance and feedback for shallow transition.
Pool Noodle or Stick Barrier – Prevents club from going over the top visually and physically.