Do You Slide?

Is Sliding Bad or Good?

Sliding in a golf swing is generally considered bad. It is the downswing cousin of swaying. Swaying is the excessive lower body lateral movement in the backswing. Sliding is the excessive lateral lower body movement in the downswing. Sliding causes an inability to stabilize the lower body which leads to a lack of power and speed.

Ok. It’s bad then.

Well…

It’s one of those swing issues where there is good and bad. A little slide is actually good. Too much slide is bad. The downswing starts with a weight shift to the left side. This requires a bit of slide. If the slide continues without rotation, then it becomes bad. The left leg remains bent, and the left hip doesn’t rotate. Usually, the upper body then struggles to rotate.

Look at Tiger Woods’ swing sequence below. There is a slide into the left side before the left leg straightens and the left hip turns.

Why do I slide too much?

There are physical limitations which could be causing over sliding. If the lead hip can’t internally rotate, you will over slide. If you are unable to separate your upper body from your lower body, you won’t be able the stabilize the lower body. Finally, if your glutes aren’t strong enough, you won’t be able to stabilize your lower body.

Should I focus on the swing or physical issues?

The short answer is both. Working on lower body mobility and strength will improve your ability to turn rather than slide too much. Notice what I said. It will improve your ability. It won’t fix the issue. To fix the issue, get to a PGA pro for some lessons.

It’s important to get to the gym and improve lower body mobility and strength in general. It improves quality of life. It can help prevent injury incurred playing golf. Combine the gym work with lessons and being committed to the swing work, your slide will go away. But you have to be committed and put in the time. Trainers and golf coaches can only give you the tools and the blueprint, you have to commit to building the house.

As always, be thankful when you get to play this amazing game. Be grateful for every shot. Appreciate every moment on the course. Now, go golf!