How To Shallow A Golf Swing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tired of that weak, slicing shot that comes from chopping down on the ball? You know the feeling: you swing hard, but the ball balloons up or curves dramatically to the right, costing you distance and accuracy. You’ve heard the term “shallowing the club,” but transforming that concept from a vague idea into a repeatable motion feels impossible.

A shallow golf swing is the technique of adjusting the club’s path to a flatter, more horizontal angle on the downswing. This single change prevents digging into the ground, promotes solid contact, and is the secret to unlocking longer, straighter shots, especially with drivers and woods.

This guide cuts through the noise. Leveraging an analysis of proven golf instruction and biomechanics, we will break down exactly how to shallow a golf swing. We’ll move beyond theory and provide actionable, step-by-step drills organized into three foundational categories: body rotation, wrist control, and swing path. You will learn not just what to do, but why it works and how it should feel, giving you the tools to finally fix that steep swing for good.

Key Facts

Better Ball Flight: A shallow swing path promotes a more desirable in-to-out motion, which is essential for hitting powerful draws and eliminating weak slices, leading to straighter, more consistent drives.

Wrist Angles are Key: As noted by experts at HackMotion, the angle of your lead wrist at the top of the swing is a primary control for the club’s plane. A flat or slightly “bowed” (flexed) wrist naturally shallows the club on the downswing.

Body-First Motion: A proper shallowing move is initiated by core and torso rotation, not by the arms. This creates the necessary space for the club to drop onto the correct plane instead of coming “over the top.”

Boosts Power and Consistency: By approaching the ball from a shallower angle, golfers increase their chances of making solid contact, which improves energy transfer and results in more powerful and predictable shots, particularly with longer clubs.

Drills Retrain Muscle Memory: Using physical guides like alignment sticks provides instant physical feedback (proprioception), which is one of the most effective methods for retraining the muscle memory required to groove a shallow swing path permanently.

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What is a Shallow Golf Swing and Why Do You Need One?

A shallow golf swing adjusts the club’s path to a flatter angle on the downswing, preventing digging and promoting longer, straighter shots, especially with drivers and woods. In simple terms, it means the clubhead approaches the ball on a more horizontal plane, sweeping through impact rather than chopping down on it. This is the opposite of a steep golf swing, where the club attacks the ball from a very vertical, “over the top” angle.

Do you ever feel like you’re chopping down on the ball? That’s a classic sign of a steep swing we’re about to fix.

The benefits of learning how to shallow a golf swing are significant. As experts from performancegolf.com and hackmotion.com note, this leads to more consistent contact, improved ball flight, and a noticeable increase in power. For golfers who struggle with slices, fat shots, or a general lack of distance with their driver, mastering a shallower swing plane is often the game-changing solution.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:

Feature	Steep Swing	Shallow Swing
Club Path	Vertical, “over-the-top” motion	Horizontal, “in-to-out” motion
Contact	Often results in “fat” or “thin” shots	Promotes clean, solid contact
Typical Shot	High, weak slice or a deep divot	Penetrating draw or straight ball flight
Power	Inefficient energy transfer, loss of distance	Maximized power and clubhead speed

Understanding this core concept is the first step. Now, let’s get into the practical drills that will help you build this powerful move into your own swing.

The Core Mechanics: 3 Foundational Drill Categories to Shallow Your Swing

To shallow your swing, focus on drills that improve (1) Body Rotation, (2) Wrist Control, and (3) Swing Path, as these are the foundational elements of a proper downswing plane. Simply trying to “feel” a shallow motion without a structured approach rarely works. Instead, by isolating and training these three core mechanical areas, you can build a reliable and powerful shallow swing from the ground up.

These categories are based on common swing fault corrections used by golf professionals to address the root causes of a steep swing, not just the symptoms.

Here’s the game plan:

Body Rotation: This category focuses on using your larger muscles (your core and torso) to initiate the swing, which prevents your arms from taking over and causing a steep, “over the top” path.
Wrist Control: These drills address the critical role your lead wrist plays in setting the club on the correct plane at the top of the backswing and during the transition.
Swing Path: This group of drills uses physical guides and feedback to train your club to travel on the correct shallow, in-to-out path through the impact zone.

Which of these three areas do you think is the biggest culprit in your swing? Let’s dive in and find the right fix for you.

Category 1: Mastering Body Rotation to Initiate the Shallowing Motion

The key takeaway is to initiate the swing with your torso rotation, not your arms, to create space for the club to drop into a shallow plane naturally. Many golfers who have a steep swing make the mistake of starting their downswing by throwing their hands and arms at the ball. This immediately puts the club on a steep, outside-in path. This drill retrains you to lead with your body. By engaging your larger muscles, which are more reliable under pressure than your hands and arms, you create a powerful and repeatable sequence.

Here is the fundamental Body Rotation Drill:

Setup: Stand in your normal golf posture. Place a golf club horizontally across your chest, holding it in place by crossing your arms over it.
Backswing: Rotate your torso away from the target, focusing on turning your chest and belly button. Your arms should remain passive and connected to your chest. Feel the turn in your core.
Downswing: Initiate the downswing by rotating your torso back towards the target. The club held against your chest will naturally follow the movement of your body. Your arms should feel like they are just coming along for the ride.
Feel the Lag: This body-led motion allows your arms and the club to naturally drop “into the slot” behind you, setting up the perfect shallow angle of attack without you having to consciously manipulate it.

Pro Tip: Focus on the feeling of your shirt buttons turning away from the target on the backswing and then turning towards the target to start the downswing. Your arms should just be along for the ride. Practice this motion slowly at first to ingrain the feeling of a body-powered swing.

Category 2: Controlling Wrist Angles for a Perfect On-Plane Downswing

To correct a steep swing, flatten your lead wrist (add flexion) at the top. To correct an overly shallow swing, add a slight cup (extension). Wrist angle is the primary control for the club’s plane. The position of your lead wrist (the one closest to the target) at the top of your backswing has an enormous impact on the club’s path. A “cupped” wrist (extension) points the clubface open and encourages a steep, over-the-top slice. A “bowed” or flat wrist (flexion) closes the clubface and promotes a shallow, in-to-out path.

Pause at the top of your backswing right now. Is your lead wrist cupped or flat? This single checkpoint can reveal the root of your problem. This section acts as a diagnostic center: find the drill that matches your common mistake.

Drill 1: The Shallow and Strike Drill (For Slicers / Steep Swings)

This drill trains you to feel the correct “laid off” position at the top to shallow the shaft.

Take the club to the top of your backswing.
Flatten your lead wrist, adding what is known as flexion. This should feel like you are revving a motorcycle.
> …feeling your thumbs point away from your head.
Pause and check this position. The club shaft should feel much more horizontal and “laid off” than before.
From this paused position, make short, punch-style swings, focusing on maintaining that flatter wrist angle through impact. This will help you compress the ball properly.
Gradually progress to full swings while recreating this same wrist feel at the top.

Drill 2: The Neutral Wrist Reset Drill (For Hookers / Overly Shallow Swings)

If you tend to hook the ball or hit fat shots, you might have too much wrist flexion. This drill helps you find a more neutral position.

Go to the top of your backswing and pause.
Slightly extend your lead wrist, adding a gentle “cup” feel to it.
> …feeling your thumbs point slightly up or back toward your trail shoulder.
This adjustment gets the clubface square and brings the club back onto a more neutral plane.
Make short, punch-style swings from this position to ingrain the feel of a neutral wrist at the top.

Drill 3: The Motorcycle Wrist Control Drill

This drill is designed to train consistent wrist angles through the downswing.

Take your club to the top of the backswing.
As you begin your downswing, focus on continuously adding flexion (the “motorcycle revving” feel) until the club shaft is parallel to the ground.
From there, simply complete your swing, allowing your body’s rotation to carry you through to the finish. This trains the wrists to actively shallow the club during the most critical part of the downswing.

Category 3: Grooving the Correct Swing Path and Plane

Use physical guides like alignment sticks to create a visual and physical station that forces your club to stay above the stick on the downswing, preventing it from dropping too steep or behind you. These drills provide instant physical feedback, which is one of the fastest ways to retrain your muscle memory. Instead of guessing if you’re on the right plane, these stations will tell you immediately.

Don’t have alignment sticks? You can use a pool noodle or even an empty golf ball box to create a visual guide for your swing path.

Drill 1: The Alignment Stick Drill

This drill provides a simple visual cue for your backswing plane.

Attach an alignment stick to your club by holding it against the grip.
Take your backswing. The goal is to have the end of the alignment stick pointing somewhere between your feet and the golf ball at the top.
If the stick points behind your feet, your swing is too flat. If it points out in front of the ball, your swing is too steep or “over the top.”
Practice making swings where the stick consistently points to the correct zone, which sets you up for a perfect shallow downswing.

Drill 2: The Swing Path Gate Drill

This drill trains the ideal in-to-out swing path.

Set up two soft objects, like headcovers. Place one just behind the ball and outside your target line. Place the other just in front of the ball and inside your target line.
These two objects create a “gate.”
Your goal is to swing through the gate without hitting either headcover. This physically forces you to approach the ball from the inside and extend out towards the target—the hallmark of a shallow swing.

Drill 3: The Swing Plane Station Drill

This drill provides a comprehensive guide for your entire swing.

Push an alignment stick into the ground just outside your golf ball. The stick should be angled to match the angle of your club shaft at address.
On your backswing, your hands and club must stay above the stick.
On your downswing, the club must again stay above the stick, preventing it from dropping too far behind you (getting “stuck”) or coming over the top of it (a steep slice move).
Practice making smooth, slow swings, navigating your club over the stick on both the backswing and downswing.

For the best results, consider investing in some quality golf swing training aids. These tools can provide instant feedback on your swing plane, wrist angles, and body rotation, accelerating your learning curve and helping you ingrain the correct shallowing motions much faster than practicing on your own.

FAQs About How to Shallow Your Golf Swing

Here are answers to some of the most common questions golfers have when learning how to shallow their swing.

How do I make my golf swing more shallow?

The most effective way is to focus on three areas: initiate the swing with your body rotation, not your arms; ensure your lead wrist is flat or slightly flexed (bowed) at the top of your backswing; and use drills with alignment sticks to practice an in-to-out swing path.

Is a shallow golf swing always better?

For most amateur golfers, especially with drivers and fairway woods, a shallower swing is significantly better. It increases distance, reduces slices, and promotes more solid contact. While some elite players have steeper iron swings for control, the vast majority of golfers benefit from shallowing their swing to fix common faults.

How do I stop being so steep in my golf swing?

The quickest fix is often a wrist adjustment. At the top of your swing, focus on flattening your lead wrist to feel like the club is more “laid off” or horizontal. Combine this with the feeling of starting the downswing with your torso turn. This prevents the “over the top” move that defines a steep swing.

What does “shallowing the club” actually feel like?

It should feel like the club is dropping behind you as you start the downswing, almost as if gravity is letting it fall into place. Your arms will feel more connected to your body, and the motion will feel less like a violent chop and more like a powerful, sweeping whip through the ball.

Can I be too shallow in my golf swing?

Yes, it is possible. An overly shallow swing can cause the club to get “stuck” behind your body, leading to hooks, push-draws, or fat shots. This is often caused by excessive bowing (flexion) of the lead wrist. If this happens, use the “Neutral Wrist Reset Drill” to add a slight cup back into your wrist at the top.

Which drill is best to start with for shallowing the club?

Start with the Body Rotation Drill. Most steep swings are caused by the arms dominating the motion. By learning to initiate the swing with your larger muscles first, you create the foundation and the space needed for the club to drop into the slot naturally. Master this feel before getting too technical with your wrists.

How long does it take to learn a shallow golf swing?

This varies for every golfer, but with consistent practice of the right drills, you can start to feel a significant difference within a few range sessions. Fully ingraining it as a natural movement can take a few weeks to a few months. The key is focused, repetitive practice using drills that provide instant feedback.

Final Summary: Key Takeaways for a Longer, Straighter Drive

Learning how to shallow your golf swing is one of the most transformative changes you can make to your game. It’s the antidote to the slice and the key to unlocking effortless power. By moving away from a steep, chopping motion to a shallow, sweeping one, you will achieve more consistent contact and see dramatic improvements in your ball flight.

Remember these core principles on your journey to a better swing:

Start with Body Rotation: The shallowing motion begins with your core. Lead the downswing with the turn of your torso and let your arms follow. This creates space and prevents the dreaded “over the top” move.
Control Your Lead Wrist: Your lead wrist is the steering wheel for the club plane. For a shallower path, focus on getting your lead wrist flat or even slightly bowed (flexed) at the top of your swing.
Practice with Path Drills: Use alignment sticks or other physical guides to give yourself instant feedback. Training with a “gate” or a “plane station” is the fastest way to retrain your muscle memory for a perfect in-to-out path.

Pick one drill from each category and dedicate your next practice session to it. Don’t just hit balls—practice with purpose. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can feel the difference and start hitting the powerful, accurate shots you’ve always wanted.

Last update on 2025-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Shallow a Golf Swing: A Step-by-Step Guide