What Is a DEEP TO SHALLOW Golf Swing? A Simple Guide for Everyday Golfers
If you’ve ever struggled with slicing, hitting fat shots, or lacking power in your swing, you’re not alone. Many amateur golfers face these challenges—and one key to solving them lies in understanding the “DEEP TO SHALLOW” golf swing. Sounds technical? Don’t worry. In this simple guide, we’ll break it down so that any golfer—no matter your skill level—can start swinging smarter and more effectively.

What Does “DEEP TO SHALLOW” Actually Mean?
The term “DEEP TO SHALLOW” refers to the path your club takes during the downswing. A deep backswing means your club travels more behind your body (often with a good shoulder turn), while a shallow downswing means the club approaches the ball on a flatter, more horizontal plane rather than steeply from above.
Imagine a hula hoop tilted slightly—your club should follow that arc. Deep in the backswing and shallow on the way down. This motion promotes solid contact, better compression, and more accuracy.
Why Is It Important?
Many everyday golfers make the mistake of coming over the top during the downswing. This steep, downward motion often leads to slices, pulls, or weak contact. A DEEP TO SHALLOW swing helps correct this by:
- Encouraging an inside-out path (which leads to straighter, longer shots)
- Reducing the chance of casting or flipping the club
- Promoting better weight transfer and rotation through impact
- Creating more lag, resulting in greater clubhead speed
How to Visualize It
Think of your swing like a baseball player’s. They load the bat behind them (deep), then swing around the body (shallow), not over the top. That’s the feel you want in your golf swing too.
Key Steps to Achieve a DEEP TO SHALLOW Swing
- Turn Your Shoulders, Not Just Your Arms
In your backswing, focus on turning your chest away from the target. This helps you get the club “deep” around your body. - Keep the Trail Elbow In
As you transition into the downswing, keep your trail (right) elbow tucked close to your side. This encourages a shallower swing path. - Feel the Club Dropping, Not Pushing
Let gravity assist your downswing. The club should feel like it’s falling behind you—not being forced downward. - Use a Mirror or Video Feedback
Practicing in front of a mirror or using a swing analyser app can help you see if you’re on the right path.
Quick Drill: The Towel Drop
Place a small towel under your trail armpit during practice. If it falls out too early, you may be coming over the top. Keep it tucked in as you swing down to train that shallow path.
Final Thoughts
Mastering a DEEP TO SHALLOW swing won’t happen overnight—but with the right awareness and a little practice, it can transform your ball striking. You’ll gain more distance, hit more fairways, and say goodbye to frustrating slices.
So next time you’re at the range, remember: deep on the way back, shallow on the way down. Simple in concept, powerful in results. Ready to refine your swing with real-time feedback? Try using a golf swing analyser app to track your swing path and get personalized tips. Your best golf is just a swing away!