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Golf coach Carolin has a simple three-step drill that could transform the way you think about your swing. Working from her full swing simulator, she breaks down the correct sequence of the backswing — and explains why getting it right makes the downswing almost take care of itself. If you’ve ever been told to separate your hips in the downswing and struggled to make it work, this video is well worth a watch.
Carolin – Game Improvement
Coach Carolin’s three-part backswing drill — arms and hands, then shoulders and torso, then hips — is designed to build natural separation before the downswing even begins. Once that sequence is set correctly, she explains, the downswing simply requires keeping everything moving at the same speed through to the finish. It’s a concept that applies regardless of your level or the shape of shot you’re playing.
Key Takeaways
Sequence the backswing in three stages
Sequence the backswing in three stages
Start by hinging the arms and hands as far back as possible, then turn the shoulders and torso while resisting with the lower body, and finally rotate the hips to reach the top.
Build separation going back, not coming down
By creating the correct gap between hips and shoulders in the backswing, you avoid having to force extra separation in the downswing — something most golfers simply don’t have the time or strength to do under pressure.
Keep everything moving at the same speed through the ball
Once the sequence is set, the downswing is about maintaining consistent rotation all the way to the finish — stalling the body and letting the hands race ahead is the most common fault to avoid.
Try the three-stage drill without a club at home first — arms and hands, shoulders and torso, hips — then take that feeling to the range before your next round. This video suits golfers of any level who want a clearer, more repeatable way to think about what the body should be doing in the backswing.
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