Play to Your Physical Abilities

Every golfer wants that perfect, repeatable swing - but the truth is, your body decides what's possible. Understanding how your body moves is the first step to swinging efficiently and consistently. There's no single “textbook” swing; there's only the one that fits your build, flexibility, and mobility.

What do we really mean by shallow versus steep?

These terms describe how the club travels toward the ball in your downswing.

• A steep downswing means the club approaches the ball from a higher, more vertical angle - often cutting across the target line.
• A shallow downswing means the club approaches from a flatter angle - coming more from the inside.

Elite players blend both at the right times. They shallow the club early in transition, then steepen slightly through impact to deliver it squarely. It's a balancing act between two forces - and your body mechanics decide how easily you can pull it off.

How Good Players Transition

Watch any tour pro and you'll see this smooth sequence:

1. Shift - a small lateral bump toward the target. This brings the arms closer to the body and creates lag.
2. Tilt - a bit of spine side-bend keeps the club shallow.
3. Rotate - the body turns, getting the club out in front.
4. Push - the legs drive against the ground, adding speed and control.

Every movement has a purpose: Shallow. Steepen. Stabilize. It's rhythm, not random motion.

What Goes Wrong for Most Amateurs

If you struggle with slicing or coming over the top, your issue usually starts right from transition. Instead of shifting and tilting, you twist - and that's a steepener.

The club moves out in front of you too early, forcing last-second compensations like: - Pulling across the ball - Leaving the face open - Early extending or “chicken-winging”

If you block or hook everything, you're on the opposite side. You might slide laterally without rotating, causing the club to drop too far behind you. That's too shallow - and it's just as problematic.

How does your body limit a steep or shallow move?

Your physical abilities often dictate your tendencies.

Try this quick check: Stand tall, cross your arms over your chest, and keep your shoulders still. Now, can you rotate your lower body independently?

• If you can't - you're likely a steepener. Limited torso rotation means your upper and lower halves move together, steepening the downswing.

• If you're overly mobile - you might shallow too much, sliding laterally without the rotation to square the clubface.

Other physical factors play a part: - Shoulder rotation: Limited external rotation steepens the club. - Wrist flexibility: Flexion shallows; extension steepens. - Spine mobility: The more you can side-bend, the easier it is to shallow naturally.

🧠 Stryper Insight

If your body can't make the move, no amount of “swing thoughts” will fix it. Build your motion around your mechanics, not someone else's.

How do you match your swing to the mobility you actually have?

You don't need a perfect swing - you need a functional one that fits your body.

If you're a steepener: - Add a little lateral shift or spine tilt early in transition. - Get your arms more across your chest at the top - that deeper position helps you drop the club on plane instead of over it.

If you're a shallower: - Work on rotation and ground pressure. - Shift, then push - that push steepens the club and brings it back in front of you through impact.

Remember: even the best players use both. The secret is timing them right.

🧠 Stryper Insight

The goal isn't to “copy” a swing - it's to understand what your body can repeat under pressure.

How do you train this feel with some purpose?

Before you chase new swing positions, understand your body mechanics. That's where the right feedback tools come in.

StanceMate helps you find consistent body positions. SwingMate teaches your body what shallow and steep feel like - without overthinking. They don't force movement; they reveal it.

What's the parting thought before you hit balls?

Golf isn't about forcing your body into a model swing - it's about learning how to use the body you've got. When you understand whether you're a steepener or a shallower, and why, you'll stop guessing and start owning your motion.

Published by Stryper Golf - where setup is everything.

What are the quick questions golfers keep asking?

Q: How do you know whether you're a natural steepener or shallower?
A: Check transition on video. If the club head jumps outside the hands you're steep; if it drops behind with no rotation you're too shallow.

Q: What's the first adjustment once you spot your tendency?
A: Steep players add a touch of side-bend and deeper arm swing, while shallow players focus on rotation and ground pressure. Match the feel to the body you actually own.