How Elite Golfers Create a Wide-to-Narrow Hand Path in the Downswing
/One of the hallmarks of elite ball strikers is their ability to efficiently transition from a wide backswing (P3) to a narrower hand path in the downswing (P5). This move helps generate power, consistency, and precision.
However, many golfers misunderstand this movement—often assuming they should pull the hands down in transition. But that’s not what the best players do. Using GEARS Golf 3D motion capture at Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX, we can measure and analyze exactly how elite players create this efficient movement.
In this post, we’ll break down the mechanics of an elite downswing, the role of Power Accumulators, and why understanding this move can transform your ball striking.
Why "Pulling Down" in the Downswing Is a Mistake
Many golfers believe they should pull the hands down to generate speed and create a proper transition. But in reality, pulling the hands down too soon separates the elbows and disrupts sequencing.
By definition, pulling means exerting force to move something toward oneself. If elite ball strikers were actually pulling their hands down, their elbows would separate excessively—which we know they don’t do.
So if they aren’t pulling, what are they doing?
How Elite Golfers Transition Efficiently
The best players use a combination of rotational shifts and proper sequencing rather than pulling the hands down. Here’s what really happens:
✅ Releasing Power Accumulators 1 & 4 – These accumulators (PA1 = trail elbow, PA4 = lead arm) help create structure and proper speed in the downswing.
✅ Upper & Lower Rotational Centers Moving Targetward – Instead of pulling down, elite players allow their rotational centers (chest and pelvis) to shift toward the target.
✅ Proper Loading & Unloading of the Trail Elbow (PA1) – This stores energy during the backswing and unleashes speed efficiently in transition.
By understanding these biomechanical principles, golfers can improve hand path, shaft positioning, and overall ball striking consistency.
GEARS Golf Breakdown: Video Analysis of an Elite Downswing
At Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX, we use GEARS Golf to analyze how the best players transition in the downswing. Here’s how each movement works:
Video 1: Tracks the movement of the upper and lower rotational centers from P3 to P5, illustrating how they move toward the target for an efficient transition.
Understanding Rotational Centers in the Golf Swing
One of the key moves elite golfers make in transition is how their upper and lower rotational centers shift toward the target. In this video, we break down how this movement happens between P3 and P5 to improve sequencing, hand path, and overall ball striking.
🔹 Learn how to position your body for a more efficient downswing
🔹 See how top players shift their rotational centers without excess lateral movement
🔹 Discover why this movement is crucial for consistency
📊 Want to analyze your own swing? Get a GEARS Golf Swing Assessment at Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX – Schedule Here
Video 2: Shows the loading and unloading sequence of the trail elbow (Power Accumulator 1), which plays a critical role in proper sequencing.
How the Trail Elbow Creates Power & Control in the Downswing
The trail elbow (PA1) plays a crucial role in storing and releasing energy during the downswing. Many golfers fail to load and unload it properly, leading to inconsistency. In this video, we analyze how top players maximize PA1 for more power, better shaft positioning, and an efficient transition.
✅ See the correct trail elbow movement from P3 to P6
✅ Understand how PA1 influences club path and face control
✅ Learn how GEARS Golf measures and refines this key move
📊 Refine your downswing mechanics with GEARS Golf at Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX – Book Now
Video 3: Demonstrates the adduction and abduction of the lead arm (Power Accumulator 4), which helps maintain structure and efficiency.
How Lead Arm Motion Impacts Hand Path & Club Control
The lead arm (PA4) controls structure, width, and speed in the downswing. If your lead arm moves incorrectly, you’ll struggle with sequencing and consistent contact. This video breaks down the adduction and abduction of the lead arm to help you create an elite transition.
🔹 See how PA4 influences the wide-to-narrow downswing move
🔹 Learn how the best ball strikers keep structure and efficiency
🔹 Get real GEARS Golf data on PA4’s role in hand path and power
📊 Want a personalized swing breakdown? Visit Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX for a GEARS Golf Motion Capture Assessment – Book Here
Video 4: Highlights the loading sequence of PA2, which acts as the primary velocity accumulator, influencing club speed and control.
How Power Accumulator 2 Creates Clubhead Speed
What’s the true secret to effortless clubhead speed? It starts with properly loading and releasing PA1 (the trail elbow). This video dives into the biomechanics of PA2 as a velocity accumulator, explaining how elite players store and unleash energy at the right moment.
✅ Learn how to correctly load PA2 for maximum speed
✅ See how top players avoid early release and power leaks
✅ Get a real-time breakdown of GEARS Golf swing data
📊 Take your swing to the next level with a GEARS Golf Analysis at Dennis Sales Golf Academy – Schedule Now
These measured movements separate elite players from amateurs, making their swings more repeatable and efficient.
Want to Improve Your Swing? Get a GEARS Golf Swing Assessment
Most golfers struggle with their downswing sequence because they lack objective feedback on their movement. At Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX, we use GEARS Golf 3D motion capture to analyze every aspect of your swing, allowing us to:
✅ Identify inefficiencies in your hand path, rotation, and sequencing
✅ Provide precise swing data to optimize your transition
✅ Customize a training plan based on real swing measurements
This is why serious golfers—juniors, amateurs, and professionals—trust our data-driven training programs.
Ready to refine your transition?
Visit Dennis Sales Golf Academy in Argyle, TX for a GEARS Golf Swing Assessment.