The Hidden Move in Every Great Golfer’s Swing (DEEP-To-SHALLOW Explained)
If you’ve ever watched a pro golfer in slow motion and wondered, “How do they make it look so effortless?” — you’re about to discover one of the biggest secrets in the game.
It’s called the DEEP-To-SHALLOW move, and while it happens in a fraction of a second, it’s a make-or-break moment in every great swing.

What Is the Deep-to-Shallow Move?
At its core, the deep-to-shallow move is a change in the club’s path during the downswing:
- Deep means the club moves slightly behind you at the top of the backswing.
- Shallow means the club drops into a flatter angle as you start the downswing.
This transition creates the perfect attack angle into the ball — producing more compression, more distance, and a buttery-smooth strike.
In other words, it’s the move that makes your swing look like a pro’s and your contact feel like magic.
Why It’s So Important
Without this move, many amateur golfers fall into the dreaded over-the-top swing path, which produces slices, weak shots, or inconsistent ball flight.
The deep-to-shallow move solves this by:
- Promoting an inside path for better accuracy.
- Increasing lag for maximum power.
- Encouraging ball-first contact for crisp iron shots.
It’s not just a style choice — it’s physics.
How the Pros Do It
Watch players like Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, or Nelly Korda in slow motion, and you’ll notice:
- At the top of the backswing, the trail elbow points slightly behind them.
- In transition, the hands drop toward the trail hip rather than moving toward the ball.
- The club shaft shallows naturally, putting the face in a perfect delivery position.
This move happens before you even think about “hitting” the ball — it’s built into the rhythm and sequence.
How You Can Learn It
The good news? You can train this move — no tour card required. Here’s a drill to get you started:
The Pump Drill
- Take your backswing to the top.
- Drop your hands down slowly toward your back hip (don’t rush).
- Pump the club two or three times into that shallow position.
- Swing through.
This teaches your body the feeling of letting the club drop into the slot, rather than forcing it down from the top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pulling with your shoulders in transition (causes over-the-top motion).
- Trying to force shallowing with your wrists (can lead to hooks).
- Rushing the downswing before your weight has shifted.
The DEEP-To-SHALLOW move works best when it’s a result of good sequencing — not a forced manipulation.
Final Thoughts
The DEEP-To-SHALLOW move is like the “hidden handshake” of elite golfers — subtle, smooth, and incredibly powerful. Learn it, and you’ll unlock:
- More distance
- More consistency
- That effortless feel we all chase
If you’re serious about transforming your swing, start with this move. Once it’s in your muscle memory, the game feels completely different — in the best way possible.