If you’ve been struggling to hit your driver consistently, it may come down to one crucial phase of your swing: the downswing. Coach Eric Cogorno teams up with renowned instructor Martin Hall to break down one of Hall’s most effective drills for starting the downswing with power and accuracy.
It’s called the Shift, Tuck, and Turn Drill—a simple, three-part move that creates a more efficient, repeatable swing and helps square the clubface at impact.
Why the Downswing Matters
Here’s a universal truth—every golfer wants to hit their driver better. But improving this key shot starts with the right transition into the downswing. Martin Hall explains that while advanced biomechanics terms exist for every phase of the downswing, we’re breaking it down in three easy words any golfer can remember: shift, tuck, and turn.
The Shift, Tuck and Turn Golf Swing Drill
This drill is a simplified way to describe the ideal sequence of movements in the downswing. The shift gets your weight moving in the right direction, the tuck puts your trail arm in a powerful delivery position, and the turn ensures a square clubface at impact. Together, these steps can help eliminate common issues like early rotation, over-the-top paths, and open clubfaces.
Step One: The Shift
The first move is shifting the pelvis laterally toward the target. Rather than immediately rotating from the top of the backswing, Martin emphasizes initiating the downswing with a forward weight shift. This helps get the club on plane and generates power without pulling the club too far outside. The goal is to feel your lead hip close the gap toward an alignment rod or club placed just outside your hip line.
Step Two: The Tuck
Next comes the tuck, which refers to tucking your trail (right) elbow toward your side. This move brings the club into a shallow, more effective delivery path. Martin demonstrates a drill where your left palm is placed near your right leg, and your trail elbow is driven into it—helping groove the right feel. Over-rotating or flaring the elbow can lead to slices and loss of control, so tucking keeps the swing tight and efficient.
Step Three: The Turn
The final piece is the turn, but not in the way most golfers expect. Instead of turning the hips or chest, Martin teaches players to turn the lead (left) elbow toward the lead hip. This move is key to squaring the clubface and compressing the ball at impact. It’s a feel-based cue that encourages proper rotation without overcomplication—and it’s easier to internalize than mechanical swing thoughts.
Bringing It All Together
Shift, tuck, and turn. That’s the sequence we believe will help golfers of all levels develop a more controlled, powerful downswing. To fix your slice FAST, you can pair this drill with the SF1 Driver. By simplifying complex mechanics into three easy-to-remember actions, the drill gives players a practical way to train better habits and strike the ball more consistently.
If you’re ready to fast-track your improvement, check out the full video and explore Martin Hall’s full training program, The Billion Dollar Tee Shot, through Performance Golf. Whether you’re working on your swing at home or attending one of their two-day schools, these foundational moves could transform your game.
