Head up at impact is a golf swing error that involves changing the forward spine angle during the swing, specifically at impact. First set at address, the forward spine tilt is meant to be kept intact all the way through impact with the ball. However, some golfers do change that spine angle as they get closer to impact in what is known as standing up in downswing.

Alternate names

Standing up at impact

Causes of Head Up at Impact

Too much pressure in your toes as you start your down swing will result in you having to make a corrective movement to stop you being off balance and falling over, hence you stand up, straight your spine, lose your posture and early extend.

Golf Technique Deficiency


Poor posture – If you’re slouching or standing too upright, you might not be able to make the correct swing plane.

Hips fired too early – This can happen during the transition phase of the downswing.

Improper weight shift – If you don’t shift your weight enough or slide it around too much, it can make your downswing less efficient and powerful.

Overusing your upper body – This can cause the club to lunge to the outside of the correct swing plane.

Drills to Fix the Issue

Brush the Grass Drill
Promotes solid ball contact by training you to stay down through the swing and avoid early head lift.

  • Set up in your normal golf stance.
  • Focus on keeping your head down and eyes on the ball throughout the swing.
  • Swing through with the goal of brushing the grass just after the ball.
  • For better feel, try holding a towel and imagine you’re brushing the grass with it — this reinforces the downward motion.
  • Avoid standing up or pulling your head early; stay low and connected through impact.

🎯 Goal: Train consistent ball-first contact and prevent premature head movement during the swing.

Club Pressure Drill
Trains head stability and encourages staying down through impact by using ground feedback.

  • Take your normal golf stance.
  • With your lead hand, stick the club vertically into the ground in front of you, with the clubhead (neck) facing you.
  • Begin your backswing without disturbing the club.
  • In the follow-through, feel like you’re applying downward pressure—as if pressing the club deeper into the ground.
  • If you lift your head or stand up early, the club will lose contact or fall, providing instant feedback.
  • Repeat until you can keep stable posture and apply consistent “digging” pressure through the swing.

🎯 Goal: Prevent early extension and head lift by promoting downward pressure and stable posture through impact.

Head-on-Wall Drill
Trains head stability and posture by using a fixed reference point throughout the swing.

  • Set up in your normal golf stance with your forehead gently touching a wall.
  • Ensure you’re balanced and comfortable — no pressure, just light contact.
  • Begin your swing slowly, keeping the same point of contact between your head and the wall.
  • Avoid letting your head slide, lift, or push off the wall during the backswing, downswing, and follow-through.
  • Repeat until the motion feels natural and your head remains stable throughout.

🎯 Goal: Eliminate head lift and movement during the swing to ensure consistent posture and cleaner ball striking.

Floating Ball Drill
Promotes head stability and stillness using visual feedback from a suspended ball.

  • Take a soft ball and attach a string to it.
  • Secure the other end of the string to the bill of your golf cap so the ball hangs freely in front of your face, just within your lower field of vision.
  • Take your normal golf stance and prepare to swing.
  • As you swing, focus on keeping the ball as still as possible — any head movement will cause the ball to sway.
  • Try to complete the backswing and follow-through without the ball shifting side to side or up and down.
  • Repeat until you can maintain a quiet head throughout the motion.

🎯 Goal: Train consistent head position and prevent lifting, swaying, or early head movement during the swing.

Physical Limitations Contributing to the Error

Hip Flexor Tightness – When hip flexors are tight, it restricts hip rotation, causing the golfer to stand up to initiate the downswing instead of rotating through the hips properly.

Weak Core Muscles – A weak core cannot maintain spinal stability during the downswing, leading to excessive spine extension (standing up) to compensate. 

Limited Spinal Mobility – If the spine cannot flex and extend smoothly, the golfer may struggle to maintain posture and could stand up early in the downswing.

Ankle Restrictions – Limited ankle mobility prevents proper weight transfer to the front foot, forcing the golfer to stand up to compensate.

Poor Hip Rotation – Inability to rotate the hips adequately during the downswing can cause the golfer to stand up instead of properly turning the lower body.

Weak Gluteal Muscles – Weak glutes cannot provide enough power to rotate the hips effectively, contributing to early extension and standing up. 

Exercises to Build Movement Capacity

  • Wall Angels – Improve thoracic mobility and posture control.
  • Chin Tucks – Strengthen deep neck flexors for stable head position.
  • Pallof Press – Build anti-rotation core strength to reduce upper body lift.

🛠 How to Adapt Your Swing to Physical Limitations

  • Focus on keeping your eyes on a spot just behind the ball.
  • Slow down tempo to stay in posture through impact.
  • Think “chest through the ball”, not “head up.”

🔄 Related Swing Errors

Precursor Errors (Triggering Issues)

  • Poor posture or hunching at setup.
  • Tension in the neck or shoulders.
  • Looking up to “see” the shot outcome too early.

Successor Errors (Resulting Issues)

  • Loss of posture leading to thinned shots.
  • Topped shots from early extension.
  • Open clubface from inconsistent low point control.

🧰 Tools and Training Aids

  • Mirror or Phone Camera – Check head movement through swing.
  • Head-Against-Wall Drill – Teaches head stability.
  • Balance Board – Enhances body control and posture retention.