Often I find junior golfers have an issue with sliding their hips on the downswing in attempts to get extra distance. Unfortunately this causes your spine angle to change leading to anything from pop-ups to big blocks. The biggest problem with this fault is that after awhile, this fault becomes ingrained, and then very difficult to get rid of.
This two-shaft drill shown in the picture above will help you find out if your hips are sliding during your downswing. By placing two shafts on either side of your left and right heels as shown, you will know immediately if your hips are sliding horizontally. You must hit balls when practicing this drill… I’ve found that my students ‘fake’ their practice swings, and don’t slide when not looking down at a golf ball. If not, you revert to your poor tendencies on a hurry.
Remember that some horizontal movement is inevitable, but as long as it does not change your spine angle during your swing, you’ll be fine.
Keep in mind that the number one cause of sliding hips is a stance that is either too wide or too narrow. Your stance will help dictate how much power you can create, thus affecting your ability to rotate. Be sure to start your road to recovery by double-checking your stance fundamentals. Your stance for your PW should be slightly shy of shoulder width, and as you go up with your clubs, your stance should widen accordingly. Your driver stance should be no wider than shoulder width and a half.
Give it a try!