If you observe the professionals on the PGA Tour you will notice a ton of different swing styles. The golf swing is extremely intricate and so is the human body. It is possible that what works for one golfer may not be appropriate for the next golfer merely because of the way their body is shaped or moves. However, the best golfers around all have very similar sequencing and energy transfer in their swing, regardless of style. This sequencing of the golf swing is called the kinematic sequence. If you want to go deeper on this concept, understanding kinematic sequence for better impact is a great place to start.
Why the Kinematic Sequence Is the Key to Better Ball Striking
Most great ball strikers share the same kinematic sequence. They generate energy and speed from their lower body and transfer that energy “up the chain” all the way through to the club head. The proper and most efficient sequence to generate energy into your downswing is initiation from the hips or lower body, followed by the torso, then the arms, and finally the club head. It is so common for amateur golfers to begin the initiation of energy with the upper body. More often than not, this leads to very inconsistent ball striking. Understanding why ground force and core stability power your swing helps clarify why this lower-body-first sequence is so critical to consistent, powerful ball striking.
Why the Off-Season Is the Best Time to Fix Your Swing Sequence
The off-season gives you the ideal window to rebuild your swing sequence without the pressure of scoring, tournaments, or weekly rounds. During the competitive season, golfers tend to focus on ball flight and short-term results. In the off-season, you can slow things down and retrain how your body initiates and transfers energy—starting from the ground up. Improving hip mobility, core stability, and lower-body timing now allows you to groove a more efficient kinematic sequence before spring arrives. For golfers over 50 especially, understanding hip mobility for powerful downswing initiation can be the difference between regaining lost distance and continuing to struggle with an upper-body-dominant swing. When you return to regular play, the changes feel natural, powerful, and repeatable instead of forced or mechanical. It’s also the right time to address any lower back issues that may be limiting your rotation—learning to protect your lower back during downswing is a critical step toward building a more powerful and pain-free swing.
The Impact Position Hip Swivel Drill: An Ideal Off-Season Golf Exercise
Try out the impact position hip swivel drill. This requires minimal space and minimal equipment which makes it an ideal golf drill to improve your kinematic sequence during the winter. Take advantage of the off-season and start strong in the spring!
If you have any questions about the impact position drill or anything related to the kinematic sequence please contact me, Jason Rivkin, directly at [email protected].
If you try these exercises and you find them to be too challenging or uncomfortable, do not continue, until you have consulted with your physician. All exercises for golf should be customized to your needs after a proper evaluation.
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