Golf Swing Position: Top of Swing (P4)

The top of the swing, or "P4" is the moment before the golfer makes the transition move and is absolutely critical to the golf swing!

Written by Zach

Last Updated: Nov 20, 2023

Golf Swing Positions
Top of Swing

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The golf swing has 10 distinct swing positions. The purpose for classifying each position is so that online writers (like myself) and instructors can more easily communicate with the student. While some positions are more relevant than others, each has unique characteristics that allow us golfers to analyze our swing piece-by-piece to improve our overall motion.

The Top of Swing (P4) position, also known as "P4" for short is the fourth position in the golf swing and is part of the backswing.

P4 Position: Overview

Down the Line (DTL) View of the P4 Position

P4 swing position down the line view

Below is the "down the line" view of the Top of Swing (P4) position. When filming from the DTL view, it is important to have the camera at waist height pointing down your target line directly below your hands. You can learn more about filming your golf swing in the DTL view in my post on recording and analyzing the golf swing.

The down the line view of the P4 position provides a crucial perspective for analyzing the golfer's swing. This angle allows us to observe:

  • The club's position relative to the target line
  • The golfer's body alignment
  • The swing plane

Face On (FO) View of the P4 Position

P4 swing position face on view

Below is the "face-on" view of the Top of Swing (P4) position. When filming from the FO view, it is important to have the camera at waist height pointing directly in front of your body. You can learn more about filming your golf swing in the FO view in my post on recording and analyzing the golf swing.

The face on view of the P4 position offers another important angle for swing analysis. From this perspective, we can observe:

  • The golfer's posture and spine angle
  • Weight distribution
  • Hip and shoulder rotation

Back View of the P4 Position

P4 swing position back view

Below is the "back" view of the Top of Swing (P4) position. This is for illustrative purposes only and I don't recommend filming your golf swing from this angle. You should be able to learn whatever you need from the DTL and FO views alone.

The back view of the P4 position provides a unique perspective that complements the other angles. This view allows us to analyze:

  • The golfer's overall body alignment
  • Shoulder tilt and rotation
  • Club position relative to the body

Position Summary

By understanding the Top of Swing (P4) position, golfers can gain insights into their swing mechanics and identify areas for improvement. This position is a valuable tool for analyzing and refining the golf swing, helping golfers to achieve greater consistency and accuracy in their shots.

You can view all of the swing positions here.