Lack of Sidebending at Impact

Right side bend in golf downswing is when your right shoulder gets closer to your right hip during ball impact. This can be restricted by improper weight transfer to the lead foot and excessive weight on the trail foot.
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These errors can be either due to swing technique issues or physical limitations.

Drills to Promote Right Side Bend at Impact

Below are video explanations and drills by PGA Professional Robin Symes, PGA Teaching Pro Erika Larkin & golf digest’s best young teacher, Lucas Wald.

1. Stick and Balls Side Bend Drill
Enhances proper side bend and spine angle awareness during the golf swing to develop a consistent side bend to maintain spine angle and improve swing mechanics.

2. Side Bend Golf Drill
Enhances proper side bend and helps maintain posture during the golf swing to improve follow-through mechanics by maintaining proper side bend and rotation.

3. Side Bend – The Key to a Great Downswing
PGA Professional Robin Symes explains the windmill drill and various points to improve side bend in downswing.

Physical Limitations: Lack of Right Side Bend in Downswing

Lack of flexibility
Restricts ability to side bend effectively.
– Exercises – Side plank, side bend with resistance.
Lack of Core Strength
Makes it difficult to maintain posture through impact.
Exercises – Plank, side plank, russian twist.
Tight Hamstrings
Disrupts hip hinge and balance.
Exercises – Static stretch, seated hamsting stretch, foam rolling.

How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

Use a slightly more upright spine through impact (if full tilt causes discomfort).
Strengthen glutes and obliques to restore trail-side control.
Use flared feet for better balance.

Alternate Names for Lack of Right Side Bend at Impact in Golf

No Spine Tilt at Impact
Lack of Sidebending at Impact
Loss of Secondary Tilt

Related Swing Errors

Precursor and Successor errors for lack of side bend in golf downswing.

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

Reverse Spine Angle
Poor Trail Hip Depth in Backswing

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

Early Extension
Scooping or Flipping

References:

Lack of Sidebending at Impact in Golf. Lack of side bend at impact means the golfer fails to maintain a slight tilt of the spine toward the trail side (right for right-handed players) during contact. This spine tilt is essential for delivering the club on-plane, preserving posture, and striking the ball cleanly. Without it, golfers tend to early extend, flip the hands, or strike inconsistently. Causes of Lack of Sidebending at Impact in Golf. Mentioned Below are the technique related issue along with the physical limitations for the error. Incorrect Setup/Weight Distribution. A too-upright spine or poor knee flex (especially with weight forward on the toes) disrupts your ability to rotate with tilt. Lack of Understanding of Body Movement. Confusing rotation with staying “level” often leads to straightening the spine and losing tilt at impact. Overemphasis on One Element. Focusing only on rotation or keeping the head level can eliminate natural side bend, causing a vertical spine at contact. Incorrect Swing Thought/Intent. Ideas like “stay tall” or “don’t dip” can create tension and restrict the necessary downward motion of the trail side. Drills to Avoid The Issue. 1. Stick and Balls Side Bend Drill. Enhances proper side bend and spine angle awareness during the golf swing to develop a consistent side bend to maintain spine angle and improve swing mechanics. 2. Side Bend Golf Drill. Enhances proper side bend and helps maintain posture during the golf swing to improve follow-through mechanics by maintaining proper side bend and rotation. 3. Wall Drill For Side Bend. Enhances side bend and helps maintain proper posture through impact to develop consistent side bend and posture to improve ball-striking and overall swing mechanics. Physical Limitations With Exercises to Improve. Restricted Side Bend . Restricts ability to side bend effectively. - Exercises, Cat-Cow stretch, side plank, side bend with resistance. Weak Core. Makes it difficult to maintain posture and tilt under speed. - Exercises, Plank, side plank, russian twist. Tight Hamstrings. - Exercises, Static stretch, seated hamsting stretch, foam rolling. How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations. Use a slightly more upright spine through impact (if full tilt causes discomfort). Strengthen glutes and obliques to restore trail-side control. Adopt a slightly shallower swing plane to reduce the need for deep shoulder drop. Alternate Names for Lack of Sidebending at Impact in Golf. No Spine Tilt at Impact. Standing Up at Impact. Loss of Secondary Tilt. Vertical Spine Through Contact. Related Swing Errors. Precursor and Successor errors to lack of sidebending at impact in golf. Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues). Flat Shoulder Turn. Reverse Spine Angle. Poor Trail Hip Depth in Backswing. Successor Errors (Resulting Issues). Early Extension. High Handle at Impact. Scooping or Flipping. Inconsistent Ball Striking.

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