Head Moving Forward in Golf Downswing

Head moving forward in golf downswing is caused by a lack of right (trail) side bend due to improper proper weight transfer to the front (lead) foot which in turn can lead to the head getting ahead of the ball on impact.

These errors can be either due to swing technique issues or physical limitations.

Drills to Avoid Moving Forward at Impact in Golf

Below are video explanations and drills by LPGA Class A member & TPI-certified coach Christina Ricci, Golfswing.com coach and online distance instructor Bobby Wilson & golf digest’s Legend of golf Instruction coach, Mike Malaska.

1. Staying behind the ball–
This drill ensures proper head positioning throughout the swing to avoid a forward lunge.

2. Proper hip rotation –
Trains head stability and posture awareness throughout the swing using a fixed reference point.

3. Train lower body to power the swing –
Trains avoiding the arms to power and control the downswing and promoting power and swing through hips and glutes.

Physical Limitations: Head Getting Ahead in Golf

As per the screenshot taken from the TPI website

Below are the 3 physical limitations that may cause this error. For each note correction exercises.

Limited Hip Mobility
Restricts rotation and encourages sliding.
Exercises – Side lounges, hip stretching, 90/90 stretch.
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

Narrow your stance to reduce lateral sway.
Shorten your backswing to maintain posture.
Move the ball slightly back in your stance for earlier contact.
Keep your chest centered over the ball to avoid pushing your head forward.

Alternate Names for Head Getting Ahead at Impact in Golf

Early head movement
Head sliding past the ball
Forward Lunge
Loss of spine angle at impact

Related Swing Errors

Precursor and successor errors for head getting ahead in golf swing.

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

Improper Weight Shift at the Top

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

Head getting ahead at impact in Golf. Head getting ahead at impact means your head shifts toward the target before or during impact. This leads to poor contact, power loss, and erratic ball flight. Causes of Head Getting Ahead at Impact in Golf. Mentioned Below are the technique related issue along with the physical limitations for the error. Incorrect Setup or Weight Distribution. Starting with too much weight on the lead foot limits your ability to rotate, encouraging a forward lean and early head movement. Lack of Understanding of Body Rotation. Many golfers slide their hips laterally instead of rotating around the spine, dragging the head with them. Overemphasis on Weight Shift. Swing thoughts like "shift your weight" can cause excessive lateral motion rather than a controlled rotational movement. Incorrect Swing Intentions. Focusing on "hitting at the ball" rather than “swinging through it” often pulls the head and body too far forward before contact. Drills to Avoid Getting Ahead at Impact in Golf. 1. Head on the Wall Drill. Helps you train head stability and eliminate unnecessary head movement during the swing to develop head stability throughout the swing, helping maintain spine angle and improve swing consistency and accuracy. 2. Impact Bag Drill. This drill helps you develop the correct feel for impact by using an impact bag to prevent the head from moving ahead to improve impact quality by training proper rotation and body positioning through the strike. 3. Shadow Drill. Uses your shadow to check body and head movement during the swing to train head stability and reduce unnecessary movement using visual feedback from your shadow. 4. Wire Drill. Placing a wire above the ball trains you to keep your head down and maintain posture through impact to prevent early head lift and promote solid contact. Physical Limitations With Exercises to Improve. Limited Hip Mobility. Restricts rotation and encourages sliding. – Exercises, Side lounges, hip stretching, 90/90 stretch. Lack of Core Strength. Makes it difficult to maintain posture through impact. – Exercises, Plank, side plank, russian twist. Restricted Upper Back Twist. Limits independent upper-body rotation. – Exercises, Chin tucks, neck rotation, shoulder blade squeeze. Tight Hamstrings. Disrupts hip hinge and balance. – Exercises, Static stretch, seated hamsting stretch, foam rolling. How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations. Narrow your stance to reduce lateral sway. Shorten your backswing to maintain posture. Move the ball slightly back in your stance for earlier contact. Keep your chest centered over the ball to avoid pushing your head forward. Alternate Names for Head Getting Ahead at Impact in Golf. Early head movement. Head sliding past the ball. Forward head shift. Loss of spine angle at impact. Related Swing Errors. Precursor and successor errors for head getting ahead in golf swing. Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues). Early Extension. Improper Weight Shift at the Top. Sway During Backswing. Successor Errors (Resulting Issues). Over-the-Top Swing Path. Open Clubface at Impact. Shanks or Thin Shots.

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