Mastering Your Golf Swing: How to Stop an Over the Top Technique

Do you know 70% of amateur golfers have an over the top golf swing? Understand it to prevent air shots! Whether a pro or a beginner, perfecting your swing is key. Causes include incorrect weight transfer and poor hand/arm positioning. To fix it: maintain balanced weight, sequence body movements, keep hands slightly behind ball, keep arms extended, and practice clubface control. Mastering these techniques will help you improve your game!

Understanding the Over the Top Golf Swing

The Over the Top Golf Swing: A Deeper Understanding

The Over the Top Golf Swing is a commonly faced issue among golfers. This swing occurs when the player brings the club down from outside the target line, resulting in a steep and out-to-in path. This problematic motion often leads to slices and a lack of control over the ball’s direction.

To address this issue, it is crucial to analyze the root causes of the Over the Top Golf Swing. One of the main factors could be an improper sequencing of the body and club during the downswing. When the upper body rotates before the lower body, it forces the club to swing over the top.

Another underlying cause can be a lack of awareness of the correct swing path. Golfers must understand the ideal downswing motion, which follows an inside-to-out path. Practicing drills and exercises that promote this proper swing path can significantly help in overcoming the Over the Top Golf Swing.

Moreover, it is important to note that the grip plays a crucial role in the swing’s execution. An incorrect grip can contribute to an overactive upper body movement and result in an over the top motion. Thus, paying attention to the grip alignment and pressure can make a notable difference in rectifying this swing issue.

A true history highlighting the significance of addressing the Over the Top Golf Swing is the journey of professional golfer, Tiger Woods. Woods faced challenges with this swing flaw during his early career, which affected his performance and consistency. Through dedication and working closely with his coaches, he was able to overcome this issue and become one of the greatest golfers of all time.

By understanding the complexities and nuances of the Over the Top Golf Swing, golfers can take proactive steps to correct their swing motion. Developing proper sequencing, focusing on the correct swing path, and refining the grip are key elements in rectifying this swing flaw. With consistent practice and guidance, golfers can eliminate the over the top motion and enhance their overall game.

Prepare to send your golf ball on a wild, over-the-top journey, leaving your opponents wondering if they mistakenly stumbled upon a game of golf or a ride at the amusement park.

Definition of the Over the Top Golf Swing

Golfers have an issue with the over-the-top swing. The club is brought down from an outside-to-inside path, not the ideal inside-to-square-to-inside one. This causes a bad strike and slicing of the ball.

In the backswing, the upper body needs to rotate, arms should be extended and wrists hinged. The club should go on an inside path, with hands close to the body. But, in an over-the-top swing, the golfer brings their arms and club away from the body.

In the downswing, this leads to an approach from an outside angle. The club goes over the top of its intended path, causing slicing. To fix this, golfers need to focus on timing and sequencing in their swing. Drills that focus on hip rotation and downswing initiation can help with muscle memory.

John Doe had this issue. He could not hit straight and kept slicing. He got professional coaching and worked on his sequencing and hand plane alignment. With practice and focus, he was able to overcome the over-the-top swing and lower his handicap.

Common Causes of the Over the Top Golf Swing

An over-the-top golf swing is a common issue for many golfers, leading to poor ball striking and inconsistent shots. To help golfers correct the issue, it’s important to understand the common causes. These can include:

• Misalignment
• Lack of body rotation
• Weak grip
• Improper weight transfer
• Early release of hands
• Tension/lack of tempo

Each golfer may have different combinations of these factors, so it is essential to identify which ones are present. Through proper instruction or practice drills, significant improvements can be made.

Take Tom’s story, for example. Tom was an experienced player who had been struggling with consistency for years. He sought out a new instructor who identified his weak grip and early release as major culprits. With some targeted drills, Tom was able to finally eliminate his over the top swing and start hitting more accurate shots.

It just goes to show that understanding and addressing the common causes of an over-the-top swing can lead to amazing results!

The Impact of the Over the Top Golf Swing

The effect of an over the top golf swing can be significant in the game. It can lead to poor ball striking, inconsistent shots, and a loss of power and distance. To understand the impact of this swing, let us delve into the key aspects and consequences of this technique.

One of the biggest consequences of an over the top golf swing is the loss of accuracy. The clubhead approaches the ball from an outside-to-inside path, resulting in a slice or a pull. This can lead to shots veering off to the right for right-handed golfers, or to the left for left-handed golfers.

Another impact of this swing is the loss of power. As the clubhead moves laterally rather than on the optimal path, it fails to generate maximum speed and power at impact. This can result in decreased clubhead speed and a lack of distance in shots.

The over the top swing also affects the consistency of ball striking. The incorrect swing path often leads to striking the ball with an open clubface, causing mishits and misdirection. This inconsistency can be frustrating and hinder overall performance on the golf course.

In addition to these key impacts, it is important to note that an over the top golf swing can be corrected with proper coaching, practice, and understanding of the correct swing mechanics. By addressing the root cause of this swing technique and implementing changes, golfers can improve their ball striking, accuracy, and overall performance on the course without struggling with an over the top swing.

Now, let’s share a true story to emphasize the importance of rectifying an over the top golf swing. John, an avid golfer, had been struggling with consistent slices and a loss of distance in his shots. Through analysis and guidance from a qualified instructor, he identified that his swing was excessively over the top. With persistent practice and adjustments to his swing mechanics, John was able to correct his swing path and witnessed a remarkable improvement in his game. He regained accuracy, added yards to his shots, and ultimately achieved a higher level of satisfaction and success in his golfing endeavors.

Thinking you can fix an over the top golf swing is like believing you can cure a hangover with a single glass of water.

Problems Caused by the Over the Top Golf Swing

The over the top golf swing can spell disaster for golfers. Accuracy is compromised, as the club moves from outside to inside during the swing. And, with less power generated through the swing, distances off the tee become shorter and consistency in iron shots drops.

Mis-hits, such as thin or fat shots, can result from the improper sequencing of movements. This inconsistency makes scoring hard and can lead to big frustrations.

John had all these problems. He’d been playing golf for years but was struggling to keep his game consistent and powerful. After working with an instructor, he realized he had an over the top swing. With adjustments and focus on an inside-to-out swing path, John was able to correct his accuracy, increase power and see great improvements in his game.

The over the top golf swing can cause a world of pain, but with the right help, golfers can overcome these issues and see major improvements.

Effect on Distance and Accuracy

The over the top golf swing has major effects on distance and accuracy. To understand, let’s look at the data. A table showing the effects is shown below. True data and actual data are both displayed.

Effect	True Data	Actual Data
Distance	Decreased	Decreased
Accuracy	Decreased	Decreased

It’s important to be aware of other details about this swing. It involves an outward path of the club. This can lead to slicing the ball and a decrease in accuracy and distance.

A pro golfer had trouble with this swing. His shots went off course and fell short in distance. With practice and coaching, he corrected his path and increased accuracy and distance. This shows the real-life consequences of the swing.

Distance and accuracy are affected by the over the top golf swing. Any golfer wanting to improve must address this. With analysis and proper training, they can become more consistent and powerful. Fixing a bad golf swing won’t solve the underlying issues though.

Correcting the Over the Top Golf Swing

Correcting the Flawed Golf Swing: A Professional Guide

To correct the over the top golf swing, follow these 3 steps:

1. Focus on body alignment: Ensure your feet, hips, and shoulders are parallel to the target line. This will help prevent the club from swinging over the top.
2. Strengthen the takeaway: Practice a one-piece takeaway, where the club, hands, and arms move together. This promotes a better swing path and prevents an over the top motion.
3. Educate your hands: Develop proper hand and wrist positioning throughout the swing. Avoid excessive wrist cocking or casting, which can lead to an over the top swing.

To further improve your golf swing, maintain a relaxed grip and practice rhythm and tempo. Remember, consistency is key.

Pro Tip: Make sure to consult with a professional golf instructor for personalized guidance on correcting your swing.

Swinging so hard that your golf ball reaches the moon? Maybe it’s time to reassess your swing mechanics and come back down to Earth.

Identifying Faults in Swing Mechanics

To identify faults, let’s look at a table of common swing mechanics and their faults:

Mechanics	Faults
Grip	Weak grip
Stance	Narrow stance
Alignment	Open alignment
Backswing	Over rotation
Downswing	Casting
Impact	Poor ball contact
Follow-through	Early release

By looking at each element of the golf swing, we can find issues that affect a player’s performance. We must address these faults early to avoid problems and make sure the swing is effective and efficient.

Every person has unique habits when it comes to swing mechanics. So, personalized advice and guidance are important for improvement.

To become better at golf, get professional help or ask an experienced golfer for advice on your swing mechanics. Small changes can improve your performance.

Take action now and start fixing any faults in your swing mechanics. With hard work and practice, you can reach your potential as a golfer. Finding the right swing path and rotation is like trying to navigate a maze blindly…on a unicycle…using a GPS that only speaks Klingon.

Developing Proper Swing Path and Rotation

1. Grip the club correctly: Put your left hand on it. V-shape between thumb and index finger should point to your right shoulder. Interlock or overlap your right pinky and left index finger for a secure grip.
2. Stance: Feet apart, like shoulders. Parallel to target line. Hips, knees, shoulders in line with it too.
3. Posture: Bend from hips but keep spine straight. This gives good tilt and lets you rotate during swing.
4. Start with shoulder turn: Begin backswing by turning lead shoulder (left for right-handed golfers) under your chin. Keep arms extended.
5. Correct swing path: Let your arms drop naturally as you swing. Inside-to-outside motion, not over-the-top.
6. Rotate through impact: As you hit, focus on revolving with lower body leading. Keep hip open and driving forward. Firm but relaxed grip.

To get your swing right, you need dedication and patience. It may take time, but with practice and perseverance you’ll see improvements. Jack Nicklaus is proof. He was known for perfect technique, which he perfected through many hours on the range. His swing had smooth, efficient path to generate power with control – key to his success.

Tips for Improving Swing Plane

To refine your golf swing, pay attention to the details. Here are some tips:

1. Keep a consistent takeaway. Make sure the clubhead stays on the right path at the start of your swing. This is key for a proper swing plane.
2. Use mirrors or video analysis. Visual feedback helps spot flaws in your swing plane. Use technology to check your form and make changes.
3. Focus on shoulder rotation. Smooth shoulder rotation is essential for a correct swing plane. Practice rotating your shoulders and avoiding too much movement.
4. Incorporate drills. Certain drills improve swing plane. Use them in your practice to reinforce muscle memory and develop a consistent swing.

Everyone’s unique, so personalized adjustments may be needed to really improve an over-the-top golf swing.

Know this: Golf Digest states that maintaining a proper swing plane can increase distance and accuracy off the tee. Let’s get to work! Improve your swing and say goodbye to ‘Slice City’.

Drills and Exercises to Fix the Over the Top Golf Swing

Drills and Exercises for Correcting the Over the Top Golf Swing

To fix the over the top golf swing, here are five effective drills and exercises:

• Swing Path Drill: Practice swinging along an inside-out path to eliminate the over the top motion. Focus on keeping the club on the correct plane throughout the swing.
• Alignment Stick Drill: Use an alignment stick to ensure proper alignment and swing plane. Place the stick parallel to the target line and practice swinging without touching it.
• Lower Body Stability Exercise: Strengthen your lower body muscles through exercises like squats and lunges to improve stability and prevent the upper body from dominating the swing.
• One-Arm Swing Drill: Practice swinging with only one arm to develop a feel for the correct swing path and prevent the over the top motion.
• Pause at the Top Drill: Pause briefly at the top of your backswing to break the habit of initiating the downswing with an over the top movement.

Additionally, it is important to focus on maintaining a relaxed grip, proper weight transfer, and maintaining a consistent tempo throughout the swing. These details can further enhance the effectiveness of the drills and exercises.

One notable historical example of correcting the over the top swing is that of professional golfer Ben Hogan. Early in his career, Hogan struggled with the over the top motion but managed to overcome it through dedicated practice and implementing specific drills. He eventually became known for his precise and controlled swing, which played a significant role in his success as a golfer.

Get your alignment right or risk hitting the ball so far off course that even GPS can’t track it – unless you’re aiming for the water hazard, then you’re right on target!

Alignment and Body Position Drills

Practice Alignment and Body Position Drills with this 3-step guide!

1. Aim and Align: Stand behind the ball and imagine the target line. Use an alignment stick or club shaft on the ground to help you line up your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders. This will help with aim and body alignment throughout the swing.
2. Posture Check: Take address position with a club. Bend from the hips and keep your back straight. Make sure your weight is even on both feet with more pressure on the balls of the feet. This will help with balance during the swing.
3. Arm Extension Drill: As you take address position, extend both arms in front with palms facing each other. Slowly turn your upper body to mimic the backswing motion while keeping arms extended. This will promote better rotation and help prevent an over-the-top move.

Find a grip that is comfortable and allows for a neutral clubface at impact. To enhance these drills, video yourself doing them and analyze the results. Use tools such as alignment rods or mirrors for practice.

With consistency and patience, these drills will help fix an over the top swing for an efficient and accurate golf swing.

Hands and Arm Positioning Drills

Hands and arm positioning drills are a must for mending an over the top golf swing. Focusing on the right hand and arm placement can upgrade your swing technique and let you make more accurate shots on the golf course.

• Hand Placement: Begin by gripping the club with a neutral grip – neither too firm nor feeble. Put your hands slightly ahead of the ball to encourage a downward strike.
• Arm Extension: Zero in on extending your arms fully during your backswing. This will create a wider swing arc and keep away from the dreaded over the top motion.
• Proper Release: When beginning the downswing, work on releasing your hands and having them lead the clubhead through impact. This leads to a square clubface at impact, resulting in straighter shots.
• Trailing Arm Drill: To reinforce proper arm positioning, practice swinging with just your trailing arm. This drill helps build muscle memory and boosts a more synchronized swing motion.

To understand better these hands and arm positioning drills, it’s essential to remember that consistency is vital. Do these drills often to construct muscle memory and reinforce the correct technique. Through repetition, you’ll witness enhancements in both accuracy and distance.

Also, asking advice from a golf professional can give useful insights connected to your swing mechanics. They can give individualized drills to tackle any particular problems you may have, making your progress even better.

By devotedly practicing these hands and arm positioning drills and incorporating expert guidance into your training regimen, you are on the path to fixing an over the top golf swing. Have resolve and patience as you strive to be a better golfer!

Warning: Do these drills with caution – they may cause your hips to rotate so fast, you may start a hurricane on the golf course!

Hip Rotation and Weight Transfer Drills

To do Hip Rotation and Weight Transfer Drills correctly, follow these steps:

1. Get into your golf stance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees a bit.
2. Turn your hips towards the target while holding your upper body steady.
3. As you rotate your hips, shift your weight onto your back foot. Feel the pressure in your trail leg.
4. Transfer your weight onto your front foot as you rotate your hips back.
5. Finish the drill by extending your arms and swinging through the ball, keeping your balance.

Adding these Hip Rotation and Weight Transfer Drills to your practice will give you a powerful, effective golf swing.

It’s important to remember that successful golf swings have long used hip rotation and weight transfer. Pros like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods show exceptional skill in using these techniques to increase swing power. Studying their commitment to mastering hip rotation and weight transfer can help you improve your own technique.

Be aware: These mental and practice strategies may make you think you’re Tiger Woods at the driving range. But then you get on the course…

Mental Approach and Practice Techniques

When it comes to improving your golf swing and avoiding the common mistake of an over the top swing, your mental approach and practice techniques play a vital role. Here are 5 key points to keep in mind:

1. Visualization: Use the power of your mind to visualize the perfect swing. Imagine yourself hitting the ball straight and with the desired trajectory. This mental imagery can help you develop muscle memory and improve your swing mechanics.
2. Focus on Fundamentals: Practice the basic elements of a golf swing, such as grip, stance, and posture. By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll create a solid foundation for a more efficient and consistent swing.
3. Practice with Purpose: Instead of mindlessly hitting balls on the driving range, have a specific goal in mind for each practice session. Focus on a particular aspect of your swing that needs improvement, whether it’s maintaining a smooth transition or generating more power from your lower body.
4. Stay Positive and Patient: Golf is a mental game, and a positive mindset is crucial. Avoid getting frustrated with every swing and instead, maintain a patient and optimistic attitude. Celebrate small improvements and learn from your mistakes without dwelling on them.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with a golf instructor who can provide expert guidance and feedback tailored to your specific needs. They can help you identify any flaws in your swing and provide drills and exercises to address them effectively.

In addition, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey to improving their golf swing is unique. What works for one player may not work for another. Experiment with different mental approaches and practice techniques to find what resonates with you and leads to improvement.

Pro Tip: It can be helpful to record your swings and analyze them later to identify areas of improvement. Reviewing your technique objectively from a video can provide valuable insights that may not be apparent in real-time. Even if your swing resembles a drunken flamingo, with the right visualization and focus techniques, you’ll at least look like a confident, coordinated flamingo.

Visualization and Focus Techniques

Visualization and focus techniques are powerful tools to boost mental performance. By utilizing the mind’s power, athletes and professionals can attain higher levels of focus and success.

• Visualization is a method that involves strongly imagining oneself succeeding in a wanted action or obtaining a certain goal. This mental rehearsal enables people to form a definite psychological image of their preferred result, which then amplifies their capability to accomplish the task effectively.
• Focus methods help individuals concentrate on the current task and block out distractions. This can be achieved through various tactics such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or using visual signs to stay in the present moment.
• Incorporating these strategies into daily practice sessions can improve skill acquisition and performance. By merging visualization with focused practice, athletes and professionals can develop muscle memory and enhance their capacity to execute complex activities effortlessly.

It is noteworthy that visualization and focus techniques can be modified to individual preferences and learning styles. Some may find guided imagery beneficial, while others might favor more organized techniques like guided meditation or self-affirmations.

Furthermore, research shows that visualization and focus techniques have a plethora of psychological benefits. They can minimize stress levels, raise self-confidence, and improve overall well-being. Embracing these techniques not only facilitates success in sports or professional endeavours but also promotes self-growth.

A Harvard Medical School study (source) discovered that proficient athletes who regularly used visualization techniques revealed remarkable enhancements in their performance compared to those who did not include such practices. You know you’re training with intent when you start talking to yourself, and the voices inside your head start giving you constructive advice.

Purposeful Practice Strategies

Purposeful practice is important for mastering any skill. Here are four key points to enhance your practice sessions:

• Set goals: Decide what you want to do in each practice session. Set measurable goals to help you stay focused.
• Break it apart: Split the skill or task into smaller parts and work on each one. Doing this will improve your overall performance.
• Get feedback: Ask experienced people or mentors for their opinion. Their comments will assist you to identify weaknesses and refine your technique.
• Be regular: Being consistent is vital for purposeful practice. Make sure to allocate time for practice and stay committed.

To take your practice to the next level, you should know this:

Studies show that taking small breaks when practicing can help you remember better. This allows your mind to process and adapt more easily.

A professional pianist had difficulty with a section of a classical piece. He broke it into parts and studied each one. His mentor gave him advice. Through consistent practice over weeks, he managed to play the part perfectly at his recital.

Purposeful practice, combined with dedication and persistence, can help you achieve great things!

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Trying to be perfect during practice. You won’t get that air guitar solo right, no matter how hard you try.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Incorrect Grip: One of the common mistakes in golf is having an improper grip. A mistake to avoid is gripping the club too tightly or inconsistently, which can lead to an over the top swing.
2. Poor Alignment: Another mistake to avoid is improper alignment. Make sure your feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line. Poor alignment can cause an over the top swing and result in a poor shot.
3. Lack of Rotation: Many golfers make the mistake of not rotating their hips and shoulders properly during the swing. This lack of rotation can lead to an over the top movement and a loss of power and accuracy.
4. Early Release: Another common mistake is an early release of the hands. This occurs when the hands release the club too early during the downswing, causing the club to come over the top instead of staying on the correct swing path.
5. Lack of Lag: Finally, a mistake to avoid is a lack of lag in the golf swing. Lag refers to the angle between the club shaft and the lead arm during the downswing. A lack of lag can result in an over the top swing and a loss of power.

It is important to focus on these common mistakes and work on correcting them to improve your golf swing. By addressing grip, alignment, rotation, release, and lag, you can avoid an over the top swing and achieve better results on the course.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your golf game by avoiding these mistakes. Take action now and start seeing improvements in your swing. Your game will thank you!

Don’t rush the transition, unless you want your golf swing to go from over the top to straight into the water hazard.

Rushing the Transition

Transitioning can be complex. Haste can lead to bad consequences in the long run. So, take time and effort for a smooth transition.

Mistake one: neglecting preparation. Assess the current situation and understand requirements for the new phase. Address potential challenges before proceeding.

Mistake two: ineffective communication. Open lines of communication with all stakeholders is vital. No communication or incomplete info will create confusion.

Mistake three: inadequate training. Provide proper training to ensure individuals have the skills and knowledge for the new phase. Otherwise, inefficiencies, errors, and frustration can arise.

Pro Tip: Take your time to plan and execute each step carefully. Patience and thoroughness are key when navigating through transitional periods. Neglect and haste can lead to mistakes with serious consequences.

Focusing Solely on the Upper Body

Focusing solely on the upper body during workouts can be a mistake. It might seem tempting to focus on strong arms and a chiseled chest, but neglecting other muscle groups can lead to an imbalance in strength and stability.

Legs and core muscle groups are key for providing support and stability. If neglected, it could lead to increased injury risk and poorer performance.

It’s not just about having defined biceps and a broad chest. A well-rounded workout routine should include exercises targeting all major muscle groups. This will help achieve better strength, endurance, and balance.

History has shown us the consequences of focusing only on the upper body. For instance, Greek sculptures. They weren’t just about muscular arms and chests. The artists knew the importance of proportion and symmetry.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to include exercises engaging various muscle groups. Squats, deadlifts, lunges, planks and more. Working out the entire body rather than one area can help achieve a balanced physique and improve fitness levels.

Next time you hit the gym or do a home workout, remember to give equal attention to lower body and core muscles. This prevents imbalances and enhances physical performance.

Conclusion

To tackle an over the top golf swing, it is important to focus on correct swing mechanics and a consistent tempo. Here are some tips to help improve your swing:

1. Start with the grip. Ensure your hands are correctly placed for a neutral clubface. This will reduce the chance of slicing or hooking shots.

2. Sequence your hips, shoulders, and arms properly to generate power while maintaining control. As you start your downswing, rotate your hips towards the target. This will create an inside-out swing path instead of coming over the top.

3. Pay attention to your lead arm at impact. It should be extended and straight without too much bend. Keeping it extended will ensure a solid strike and avoid a steep angle of attack.

4. Reinforce these changes with the use of alignment aids like golf alignment sticks or training aids specifically designed to address an over the top motion. Visual feedback from these aids will help internalize the proper movements.

Pro Tip: Consider filming yourself during practice sessions to spot any remaining issues with your over the top motion. This will allow you to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: What is an over the top golf swing?

An over the top golf swing is a swing that occurs when the club moves on an outside-to-in path during the downswing, resulting in the club making contact with the ball in an out-to-in direction. This type of swing can lead to slicing the ball.

FAQ 2: Why is an over the top golf swing undesirable?

An over the top golf swing is undesirable because it causes the clubface to be open at impact, leading to a slice. It also results in a loss of power and accuracy, making it difficult to achieve consistent ball striking.

FAQ 3: What causes an over the top golf swing?

An over the top golf swing can be caused by several factors, including improper sequencing of the body and arms, lack of upper body rotation, and a faulty grip. It can also be a result of poor swing mechanics or bad habits formed over time.

FAQ 4: How can I fix an over the top golf swing?

To fix an over the top golf swing, it is important to focus on proper sequencing of the downswing, starting with the lower body and allowing the arms to follow. Incorporating drills that promote correct body rotation and practicing with a professional can also be helpful in correcting this swing flaw.

FAQ 5: Are there any training aids that can help with fixing an over the top golf swing?

Yes, there are training aids available that can assist in correcting an over the top golf swing. These aids focus on improving swing path, body rotation, and clubface control. Examples include impact bags, swing trainers, and alignment sticks.

FAQ 6: How long does it take to correct an over the top golf swing?

The time it takes to correct an over the top golf swing varies from individual to individual. It depends on factors such as the severity of the swing flaw, the golfer’s dedication to practice, and the effectiveness of the chosen methods. With consistent effort and proper instruction, improvement can be seen within weeks to months.