Over the Top
A downswing that starts with the shoulders and arms instead of the lower body, throwing the club outside its ideal plane.
This produces an out-to-in swing path, which is the classic mechanical cause of a slice (and, with a closed face, a big pull).
See the full breakdown: Slice
Every common cause and fix for this exact issue.
See the full breakdown: Slice
Every common cause and fix for this exact issue.
More swing mechanics terms
Address
The setup position a golfer takes before starting the swing.
Takeaway
The first foot or two of the backswing, as the club first moves away from the ball.
Backswing
The motion from address to the top, where the club is loaded before the downswing.
Top of the Backswing
The highest, furthest point of the backswing, right before the downswing begins.
Transition
The change of direction from backswing to downswing.
Downswing
The motion from the top of the backswing down through impact.