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:

  1. At the top of the backswing, the trail elbow points slightly behind them.
  2. In transition, the hands drop toward the trail hip rather than moving toward the ball.
  3. 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

  1. Take your backswing to the top.
  2. Drop your hands down slowly toward your back hip (don’t rush).
  3. Pump the club two or three times into that shallow position.
  4. 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.

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